BEACHED

I stood on the sand
At the edge of lapping water
Waves crashing in
And fleeing back
Thinking about jumping in.

It was the same sand
I built castles in,
not 10 years ago
With mom and dad.
But they are gone now.

I want to see them
Want not to be here
Without them
Living is so hard.

But a single gull
Flew down to my feet
From the blue, Summer sky
Landed in the foam
At the seas border.
Began pecking and eyeing me
Nervously.

I stood still
Not wanting to spook him
Or lose this connection.
After pecking for a minute
He looked up at me
His eyes seemed to know
Know me or….. something.

“Dad?”

I said.

I’m still here.

© M.H.

12:01pm. 26/07/25