You know the way
to the beach now.
Our walk turns from the road
towards the shoreline
and you respond,
delighted shriek!
and then,
bounce-bounce-bounce!
Your whole body
tries to shake free
of the towel I wrapped you in.
Leaning, grabbing, babbling giddily
in the direction of the blue waves
you nearly tip us both over.
So I set you down on your feet
and hold you by both hands
and you walk in tiny tumbling steps
to the waters edge.
Your spread toes grip the warm dry sand.
Your pink fingers grip my thumbs.
And when the waves start to lap
your toes,
delighted shriek!
and you charge forward.
When the water reaches your waist
I pick you up and hold you between my knees
while you wildly
kick-stomp-kick-stomp at the water.
You pause only
when a large wave splashes your face.
You sputter, eyes open wide
you look up at me, pause briefly.
Smile. Shiver. And then another
delighted shriek!
and undeterred, right back to
stomp-kick-stomp-kicking the water.
LakeTown, USA 