I remember the Bay at morning's ebb
when we seemed young
the Bay and I
Long before the gray mist sprung
wrapping tentacles around our sun
the bay and I were one.

My eyes, half-shut, view yesterdaystar rising
Its rays spotlight dolphins 
as they leap over water furrows_ 
flashing back when the Bay shone clear
though noxious vapors hovered near.  

In reverie I hear guitar-strumming minstrels 
chanting shore odes of family festivals  
I see children as they dance down sand towers_  
tiny cartwheeling silhouettes 
throwing shadows on a white sand carpet
Now flowing tide belches back trash mazes 
then washes away leaving debris_
broken glass, rusty cans.

We met on that same beach at one such fair 
the boy and I
Combined our truths as youths will do
Pledged timelessness  
Returned often to our trysting place_
our private cove.

After formal vows
again escaping to our bayscape
energized by salt sea air
infusion of our union_
warmed by a cordial sun_
the Bay and we were one
Inspired by silent witnesses 
our history's past lovers
we danced a wedding waltz.
 

It seems a hundred years ago
before dismal cloudy billows
oozed into its harbors shrouding cherished vistas_
before industrial venom crept in
casting a pall over her fecundity_
before time whistled in and
smothered the boy.

Now his ashes sink in a watery grave
Now Bay species sink 
then rise lifelessly to ride slick brine
Now our spirits sink
and never rise
weighted down by mass indifference.

© 2002 Amelia Heart All Rights Reserved