winter is best

the winter

beach

is best. the deserted

sand,

the cold air changing

the color

of the ocean

to the darkest of blues.

the weathered

gulls,

the freighters

plowing

their wares to other

lands

across the endless

curve of the world.

winter is best.

the hardened shore,

the low melt

of sun, the absence

of nearly everyone,

the salt carried 

in the wind.

the long walk in thought,

a shell in hand.