Beach Walk

I went for a walk on the beach today.

I walked fast, putting the rest of the

World in slow motion.

On my way out, I forgot to look around,

Stuck in the world of unnecessary thoughts

And countless to-dos.

I was pulled back to the beach by a

Quiet whisper, “Attention.”

Who said that?

It got louder.

“Attention.”

Maybe it was the red warning flag

Waving in the wind,

Cautioning all to swim with care.

“Attention.”

Maybe it was the little boy

Kicking the bright blue ball into the sea,

Playing soccer with the waves.

“Attention.”

Maybe it was the fisherman

Competing with the sea birds

For the day’s best catch.

“Attention,” even louder.

Maybe it was the little girl with the shovel,

Digging just to dig,

Who spontaneously cart-wheeled into the sea.

“Attention.”

Maybe it was the elderly couple

In bright floral swim suits,

Holding hands as they carefully waded in the water.

“Attention.”

Maybe it was the pelican,

Gracefully floating just beyond the reach of the waves.

Mocking the surfers with his stability.

“Attention,” even louder yet.

Maybe it was the tall tan man

Clad only in a straw hat, seashell necklace,

And cheesy smile.

“Attention!” it screamed.

The waves, the rocks, the families, the birds,

The kids, the sand, the water, the sun,

The lovers, the fish, the surfers, the dogs,

The coconuts, the palm trees, the sky.

I went for a walk on the beach today.