“come to me.”

come to me.

no? then I will come to you,

push up the shore to your foot,

to lap under your boot-heel.

not because I am low -

I am eldest, most-extant,

yours come from me, child -

but because I miss you,

I love you,

I will touch you.

the winter sun is too soft to dry you, mammal

so I lick only your heels.

see how I halt my foam's roll just where your foot lands?

see how I am already clearing space when you approach?

see how I am already rushing in when you retreat?

even at your most sudden turn, I will be there already,

I anticipate you.

perfectly matched in play, beloved,

the living and the salt sea