scavengers

while lying
on the beach a man,
an older man with a sun
visor
wakes you up as you lie
there on your towel.
he's holding his metal
detector over you.
the long wand of it inches
from your chest.
do you mind moving over
he says.
I think you're lying
on something
metallic,
maybe a set of keys or
a watch.
the machine beeps quickly
and loud.
those are mine,
I tell him. to which he
replies. how do I know
that. do you have proof
of ownership?
I look up at him, squinting
in the sun.
his belly is providing
some shade, but not enough.
go away. I tell him,
staring at the six watches
on his one arm.
and a belly bag of jingling
rings and keys.
i'll be back, he says.
no need to get huffy.