I take a cigarette break to the beach at 2AM every time i'm on the graveyard shift. The whole atmosphere of being at the edge of a continent with an endless body of water living and breathing in front of you is emotional. When the sea is calm and the tide is low it feel like you can relax, listen to the tide rippling off the rocks and it soothes the soul. When the tide is high and the sea is rough you realize the pure power of the ocean. I imagine the lives previously taken by the merciless sea, engulfing ships and crashing into mountains and piers, cities, lighthouses, residences, and boat yards. Unforgiving, and yet, majestic she is responsible for more life than we can fathom. A whole different part of our world we have such minimal access to. I look out into her endless brilliance as the wind warns me of her presence. Blasting the smell of salt onto my skin, as i take long breathes with ease. The ocean is wise, she has been here much longer then i have and has experienced loss, life, tragedy, war, ******, and survival. Nobody's around at 2AM, just me and her. Every night she gives me the same feeling, like a women you love but cant control, a free spirit, wild for her own pleasure, thirsty for love and affection but resilient to the idea of being confined. For you can not control the one who manipulates you. I am being manipulated by the sea. As i exhale my last puff i walk back inside to work. "Ill see you tomorrow".

my bed creaks
as my body turns
waking up with difficulty
pain in the muscles
my bones are crispy
scared of each sounds
it makes
am i getting old
perhaps my bones are teasing me?

Three girls sit in a room
One with waist long black hair
That flows over her dark clothes
Her figure hugged by a black corset,

The second has hair the color of sand
It plays in long waves
Over her professional attire
But a tattoo shows her wild side,

The third a head of dark brown
In curls it matches her hippie skirt
She laughs and sings with joy,
This one is care free

The first girl dressed in black
Is called by the name of Jenna
Having remained hidden so long
She looks to the third girl for guidance,

The second is Marie
She is determined and strong,
But not nearly as strong as Jenna,
She too looks to the third for guidance,

This third girl is very well known
Ever person can see her
She is not hidden from sight,
She is known well as Lauren

These three, yet so different
Are all the same
Each one has a secret,
Known only by the third

This secret has been held
Long over the years
But each girl will shine,
For they are all one in the same.