There is a beach
on the other side of America.
It snuggles in close
between Massachusetts
and the Atlantic Ocean.
If you put aside your fears,
girl,
you can walk in the water.
Nothing will hurt you,
you can see the bottom.
You can discover hermit *****
and sea glass,
smoothed down from
the turmoil of churning waves
and grains of sand.
You can explore new things,
girl,
if you can slip off your sandals
and examine the tide pools.
The barnacles’ little arms wave,
snatching microscopic food
from nowhere.
Tiny, tiny anemones grow,
tucking up inside themselves
if your fingers brush them.
This is a magical place,
girl.
Take nothing but pictures,
memories, and smooth
sea glass.