Sunshore Lament

They stretch before me,
The emerald plains
That ceaselessly roll onward.
Only to break upon the shore.

Violently they cry,
Arms raised heavenward
In prayer or damnation.
Always they collapse into themselves.

Threatening safety,
The breakers crash
Upon these concrete walls.
Never quite reaching far enough.

Burning,
The sun wails
With Orpheus’ dying anguish.
He dared to look back.