whenever I return
to the Cape, and am
kissed by the salty breeze
I realize that I left
a piece of myself
on the rocky beach

the Cape belongs to
the young girl who
wouldn't have her
freckles if it wasn't for
the August sun

the girl who pretended
to be a mermaid trapped
in the pool, trying to find her
way home, to the ocean

the Cape belongs to
the young woman who
wasn't comfortable in
her own skin, and
covered up

the woman who learned
that dusk was her favorite
time to visit the beach,
with ice cream in her hand
and her toes in the sand

Every year, I have less and less
time to return here,
but every time I do I see them

They are in awe of me
So alike, so different
The sun hasn't stopped
scattering me with freckles
Especially now,
I no longer hide my skin

And though I don't pretend,
I still wish I was a mermaid

Even though I don't visit enough,
With every trip I find myself
On the beach, at dusk

With my toes in the sand,
and ice cream on my lips,
I realize,
A part of my soul
will always be here

I fear,
I am a
Ticking
Time bomb

I hope,
No one is
Near me
When I,
Go off