Sitting (a villanelle) [2002]

Slowly breathe in,
filling your lungs with the salt sea air,
and breathe out again.

The petulant north wind
with icy fingers tousles your hair;
slowly breathe in.

Push your chin
deep into your thick wool sweater
and breathe out again.

Your eyes closing,
let the sand cradle your form there;
slowly breathe in.

Above the ocean's din,
hear the gulls cry, joy and despair,
and breathe out again.

The surf rushes in,
casting ashore its treasures rare;
slowly breathe in
and breathe out again.