WALKING THE BEACH AT NIGHT

I walk the beach at night –

dunes are monsters

rising up on their haunches,

waves creep up

like armies from across the ocean;

most days,

if not for reality,

then everything’s a threat;

then there’s nights like this

when everything’s a threat

to reality

~

THE CROCODILE

It swims just below the surface,

only its eyes and nostrils visible

to the keenest of observers

which does not include

two lovers strolling the river banks,

or children dipping their toes in shallow water

or women washing their sheets

or men fishing and sharing tales.

For now, it is well fed

and will not attack.

The scene can go on

as described.