only by the ocean

I really wanted my theory to be true

only by the ocean

In the shade of the plumeria tree

my hair sticks to my neck

like honey over sand

only by the ocean

The first time

we were in Cancun

fighting in a hotel room

eating fish

bathing in the sea

The second time was Monterey

staying up late

listening to seals bark

spending money on salt water taffy

So I thought

only by the ocean

On the lanai

my stomach burns

twisting

like it's never going to happen again

and if the ocean can't bring me any more children

she will keep me awake

slapping the highway

rusting my hinges

salting the earth

Emily Rigby