As I sit here with my toes
buried in the sand,
I stare out at the vast ocean
that lies before me.
The reflection I see is
one of the person I now am.

The reflection that gazes back at me
is one whose eyes are filled
with emptiness and sorrow.
A reflection lacking
any sign of joy or happiness,
for the once present smile
has been erased like
chalk on a chalkboard,
replaced with a frown, instead.

This reflection seems as dark
as the water in the distance.
But, with the approaching sunset,
the rays of the sun
shine a different light,
making the water appear golden,
sparkling as if given a new life.
In this, I see a new reflection,
a second chance,
a real purpose and
meaning in this world.
It reminds me of how
precious life truly is -
to never take life for granted,
to never give up hope.

As the water before
me grows quieter,
with the setting of the sun,
my fears also diminish.
I recognize that the reflection,
now staring back at me,
is the person that
I need to become.
This reflection is my future
as it is meant,
and destined, to be.

Vicki A. Zinn
2009