salty air

thoughts of my son, as i drive to the birthday party for my friend’s son…

little in life can compare
to the tang of salty air
windows down, radio up
breeze of motion, invigorating

pelicans and gulls wheeling
zipping tonnage in the next lane
palm trees stark but not ugly
the ocean undulates all around

the music is timely
lyrics that speak of
things i would say but
it’s too late

driving to a convergence
all things in their right place
means some things are elsewhere
since they cannot all be here

i trace the shape of it
negative space
cocoon of now
a blessing

missing what wasn’t seems
silly at best
pointless otherwise
instead…

i breathe deep and hold it
taste the ocean
let its flow fill me
and smile

the wind is still my friend
the sun shines indiscriminately
this moment, peaceful and empty
i exhale it all