That Sand in your Toes Feeling

Today was a gorgeous day at Diani Beach. For the first time in a long time, I felt poetry pushing at my fingertips. I hope it will transport you to where I am, if just for a moment…

You know that feeling

of sand slipping between

your toes

like silk ribbons,

so soft and yielding

you could almost

sink your heels to the center

of the earth?

Take my hand,

and follow me there.

Kick off your shoes here—

Yes, here at the edge—

you won’t need them.

Squint a little

against the glare—

white white sand too bright

to look at.

There.

Where the sand forms

miniature dunes

in the shifting wind.

Before the damp, packed

floor of high tide.

Just there—

Try on a pair of sand slippers

for size.

Material so fine

it will hug every millimeter

of your toenails

and soothe your soles

like nothing before.

Dig deeper,

and feel the cool gasp

of another layer,

untouched by the sun.

Drink the salt breeze

in your hair.

Stay as long as you like.

Watch the waves carry

blown glass jellyfish

and green sea tangle

In and away.

When you’re ready,

brush off your feet with

sandpaper fingers,

and put your shoes back on.

Shade your eyes

for one last look

at that sand between your toes feeling.