Riding Seaward on the Waves

In the humid atmosphere,
Braids fray quickly.
Pricks of sweat
Burst from tender skin.
Sands, composed
Of tiny eyes of coral,
Cling to clothing.
Sips of water soak from within.

Waves spit spray that floats
With eerie languor.
Smears of haze curdle
Into focus through a squint.
The sand is lava, coral, abalone,
Boulders to an atom.
Shells and flint.