everything but the cold beer

i go to the basement

to begin

collecting and assorting gear

for the upcoming 

beach trip.

the orange folding chair,

an umbrella,

towels

of all sizes,

a large thermos,

coloring books. and magazines,

still not read,

sunscreen

and sandals.

flippers and goggles,

an old

can of shark repellant,

water wings,

a small plastic

bucket

and shovel.

a dozen Marvel comic

book toys.

a cooler for popsicles

and sodas

and candy bars,

tuna sandwiches,

and then i realize that my

son is thirty-seven

years old now.

and we can leave almost

everything at home,

except the cold beer.