Breathless

The friend apologetic, running late

I was already almost there, saying I’d wait outside.

No worries.  I had the time — maybe I should actually take it.

Empty picnic table, ocean view, sunny June day, nothing truly urgent —

Just be, just enjoy, just to be present, 

To catch my own breath, experience the 

Moment. 

Live.

We are here only for an instant, often

Running, forgetting to watch

The waves build, break, to come again,

Endless rhythm, dependable

Soothing and calm.

I learn to wait, to simply be

To just experience, feeling the calm, the

Energy of the day, of the eternal waves

Running up the beach, sparkling in the sun,

In the moment.

                                    —Neal Lemery 6/11/2023