for Maisie in memory of Tosca, and for Ocean-dog

Water washes your ankles
sand loosens between your toes
you hope the limitless depth
opens your eyes               lets your mind
understand something new

        This year the road holds
        a stranger         a dog
        legs braced against
        the double yellow crease
        eyes wide
        ribcage heaving with panic

        You pull the car onto the edge
        of the forest
        step out
        A pulse of air
        whispers around you
        a gift from the ocean
        where magic is common
        and you call to her

The tide
a series of moments
introducing you to the ocean
does not depend on your awareness
One moment you watch
a drama starring half inch crabs
anemones       starfish
while you balance
on slick ankle high boulders
the next     your sneakers are soaked

        She looks up       disbelief
        raising her ears
        bounds to you     tail wagging
        panting gratitude
        You pull your seat forward
        she climbs onto suitcases and
        coolers crammed with
        the weekend's food          Questions
        from other passengers
        flow off you

        As you drive away         the salty moment
        that rolled over you has
        left you dripping
        salt crusting your skin
                     despite velocity
        your bare feet are firmly planted
        in wave washed sand