safe on shore

as the current moves,
and the swimmers struggle
to get out of the water,
being pulled to places
they don't want to go,
and the whistles blow
as each lifeguard chair
plants a red flag warning
to beware of riptide, you
dip your toe into the
warm shell laden sea
and let the violent
waves just kiss
your legs, barely out
of danger, but safe
on shore, out of the
storm and harm's reach.