Rembering Carol

Remembering Carol

We sit on the slippery rocks at the edge of the sound
and toss little twigs of cedar or pine into the slate water
and make believe that we have changed the scent
of the ocean.

Out of love you shed your shoes and
walk briefly on the smooth little stones
allowing salt water
to cover your feet.

You have grown older but unchanged
in your sweet core;
and the remembrance of her is the same
as it has been all these years:
a head thrown back in laughter;
a mother in love with her daughter.

There are ashes of your mother in each
wash of the tiny waves
and for that instant when your consciousness
coalesces into her's,
every component of the ocean is joyous
and fragments of that momentary rejoicing
is shared by everyone.

So, love her. Wade in the water-
in all seasons- so that you can bring happiness
to the broadest spectrum of people.
Then turn
to the man watching you
and know you are not alone.