she sells sultry sunrises soulfully soaking in seaside’s sensuous sandy satin sheets
down
by the seaside
our love mimics the tide
skipping out on the evening board
you teach me how to body ride
sound
of life’s breath
as a secret’s expressed
the moon strokes
and swells the surfing waves
and seeks salted seas to direct
a final ascent
to their rock, rock, rock bottom depth
I don’t need you
I just need your love
I don’t need to have you love me
I just need you to have me love
the sand is soft
but I see the vicious stony peaks
jagged and lying in the dark
the wind is sweet
but I feel the heat of a scorching sun that has yet to rise
I just want to look in your eyes
But I can’t if they’re closed
I just want to talk on the phone
So don’t change your number
Yesterday I was wearing my Acapulco hat
and some girl who I didn’t have the nerve to talk to told me I was cute
Tonight I own the coast
and you own me
I was down
by the seaside
my love mimicked your pride
skipping out so you wouldn’t be bored
you took me for a body ride
— Zumwalt (1990)
zumpoems 