A Stranger's Gift

A Stranger’s Gift


As before, pacing the shore
where the only footprints are mine.
Reeling in memories
that fight me like some leviathan,
struggling and shrieking.

A shining sliver of brilliance
caroms in the lathered surf;
the schussing music of the tides
silences as time holds its breath.

A small glass bottle.
The fading light reveals a shadow
dancing in its interior;
a wish, a prayer, a lost hope
trapped within.

My shaking fingers
wrest the top free;
my eyes begin reading
the faint, bleached words.

The moon inhales
pulling the sea to her breast
revealing her silent secrets.

A moment in time,
a moment of peace.

The placid ocean
embraces my dreams.

Inadequate words written
in a soul's ink with
trembling hands,
laid gently on creation's
bosom.

May these dreams find a home
in caring hands;
may they touch a loving heart.

May eyes of purity,
in love that's boundless
read and understand.

May you share my dreams and heart
in the stillness
before the world awakes.

Their wish had come true.

An entry for Round 36, "Shadows and Light Poetry Contest" 
Line Limit: 40
Line Count: 40
Word Count: 170