Self Portrait


She stands steadfast
Against the force
Of the ocean’s waves,
As they lap onto the sallow-hued sand.

She nestles her toes
Into the moistened granules.
She stoops to grasp a seashell,
An then holds its opening to her ear.

She knows of the sounds of the ocean
As told by the sounds of the sea-
Their tales of faraway places.

She speaks to those who wish to escape
From this world
To travel to a different place and time.

She looks longingly into the distance
And watches a lonesome sailboat
Disappear beyond the horizon.

A single teardrop
Cascades down her flushed cheek
And splashes onto the sea foam.

Once again , She has been told of her endless life’s story-
That there is no place for her to run.
Claudia Krizay