breathing in the quiet

The tide gently,
slowly,
nudges
in between the spaces,
covering the shore,
smoothing patterns,
clearing all traces,
with waves
that are but ripples,
softly
lapping.
From across the bay,
muffled
by distance,
obscured
by mist,
the call of birds,
a heron?
an egret?
and one unfamiliar.
Two gulls,
closer,
one overhead
cries continuously
as it passes by,
one lower,
near the water,
flies
silently.
I stand still,
watching a sandpiper
bobbing,
searching,
finding.
I breathe in the quiet.

~ sld

To hear an audio version of the poem, read by the author, click on the player below.