Jessica Fall, OWP 1998

 

Sitting on the beach

Alone--

my family scouting for shells, exploring tide pools nearby

I'm not.

Lounging in a lawn chair,

towel draped over my knees

covered in a sweatshirt

seeking refuge from the biting wind

Reading.

Come join us!

I shake my head

prefering the feel of a good book in my hands.

Escaping into another place and time

but enjoying--

gritty sand surrounding my toes

gulls overhead

crashing of the pounding surf

chilling salt spray

I pull the towel closer,

snuggle

deeper

into my chair

And Read.

Lost in both my worlds at the same time.

They don't understand

How can she read that book when there's a whole world to explore?

I smile to myself.

If only they knew. . .