hourglass
beach sand
trickling
trickling
like falling off a cliff
the tiny grains scream the loss
of time
ticking
they used to live under rough, tan feet
swept in and out by turquoise cascades
violent some days
gentle waltzes others
the sand dances a swing with the long
graceful waves dressed in blue evening gowns
take me to the prom and sweep me off my feet
bare or heel-clad
wait, that was years ago.
sand reminds me
the times on the beach
panama
orlando
california
but the sharks
ooh
terrified my little sister Rosie
1939
fascinated my little daughter Susie
1961
even the memories fade
while I watch the sand
trickle
trickle
trick
allusion
I lost the years watching the sand
dri p
dro p
dro p
drown
wait
I’m not ready
hourglass, turn back over
or even empty yourself
send the sand back to its home
by the sea
where it happily dances
where it belongs
I belong here
then fill yourself back up with fresh young sand
ready to begin
trickling
trickling
all over again
for me
sand
so helpless
carried from place
to place
without a fight
but they don't mind
why does no one mind
am I the only one screaming
save me
sand
love me
join me
in the smallest corners of my car
in my washing machine
remaining
never fully disappearing from my favorite sandals
so shouldn’t I remain
terrified
to disappear
so much to lose
fear
overtaking
of the hourglass
trickling
ticking
the water creeps
claws at my feet
the sand can’t steady me
unresisting, it is pulled back out into the depths
help