Robert Riche
Psalm

Early rise today. Across the bay
the sun steams up from the sea.
It could be Mandalay.
Surf soothes the shore.
A kite floats, dives, rises in the sky,
a red dragon out of its mind.

Is the sky bluer today? Gulls whirl.
Children play catch-me-if-you-can
with waves that lap, retreat,
then lap again at their feet.
Girls in slim bathing suits
shine, vie with the sun.

After lunch a stroll along the water’s edge,
Distant sailboats, tiny moths,
drift across the edge of the world.
What fun it must be to be on board,
though I have no desire to be
but where I am.

The tide is out, the sand flats rise.
I lay myself down in still waters,
my head bowed. I fear no evil.
Across the bay the red sun sinks into the sea.
A day like this,
Surely no greater goodness will follow me.

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