Beach People

Early in the morning
the coastline shakes itself awake
and is left with
only the most burr-like humans attached:
Walkers, and contemplatives,
exercise girls, dogs with boys and Frisbees,
moms with cautious or crazy toddlers,
fishermen, content-as-clams ocean watchers,
shell hunters with their tell-tale bend, always looking down,
and my favorites—the people armed at dawn with
coolers,
blankets,
folding chairs,
pop-up tents,
big towels,
mesh bags stuffed with
bright plastic toys,
paperbacks,
boogie boards,
striped umbrellas,
inflatable rafts,
sunscreen,
and sandwiches,
setting up cozy day homes
arranged just so for the angle of sun at midday,
which is long hours from now
but you, Positive Thinkers, are certain that hour will come
and when it does, everyone you love,
or at least everyone you travel with,
will be comfortable.