Sea and Earth

When all is crushed, ruined, gone, and spent
The tide goes in when the heat is rising
in the marsh sea and earth mingle
Vast layers of grains stacked
gently, crystal upon crystal
a bank of salt ringing the sea.

A tear pools at the edge of your eye
one grain clinging until
you wipe it away
I am crying for pain and joy
Wet tears roll down my cheeks
You taste the salt between your lips

In that moment, we are, hand in hand
side by side
A kiss of salt on our lips.

Kathryn McDonnell
February 2004