East and West

Slashes of fire in the morning Lap emptiness onto the beach. Screeching and harsh, The sun climbs over the waves to sear the streets. Wiping brows and shifting stances People adjust to the onslaught of heat Breaking over their faces. On the other side, Ripples of gold in the dusk Whisper to pleasant company And passing cups. Feet trace figure eights in cold sand Stretching out to the softer sun. Fires sputter and spark into life As laughter sifts through hair and light sweaters. Chilly air smoothes the beach in lingering hope for tonight. Tomorrow never a care, The sun waves a hand to fate As she sinks into that great cup of life. Sunrise in the East sears waters to a boil, While sunset in the West wishes the oceans well.