hand in hand, the young lovers
ran down a sandy knoll into the midst
of the century ( sunlight playing in their smiles,
eyes arresting each other’s across tanned
arms and windblown hair), journeying fearlessly
into the sparkling surf with the wooded bluff behind
and life ahead of them.

 Curving away for miles ahead the shorebreak
still fades into dusky distance, while the only souls
 upon an unspoiled beach glory again
 in a world they briefly own as the sky reddens,
 gilt waves caress endless sands as they always
 will and, coming with the evening cool, peace
lingers like remembered eternity  as they embark
 on their journey across another century.

first published by Illinois State Poetry Society online

© 2004 Bonnie Manion