lost in the sand

a man with a metal
detector, hunched
in the shadows
of a sun going
down bayside,
walks slowly along
the shore,
digging where he
hears the signal.
a small shovel is
in his hand.
you see a watch
go into his pail,
a set of keys.
a pin, a bracelet,
a ring. he has found
an easier way
than most
to get treasures.
but still there is
no smile
upon his face,
he longs strangely
for those to whom
these things
belonged and perhaps
to give them back.