Pensacola Beach

you forget--
as feet sink into white sand--
crushed quartz from the Appalachians
carried by the Mississippi
before people walked the land--

you forget--
as emerald waves sparkle the shore--
salty seas travel through oceans
circulated by currents
established since ice age lore.

you forget--
with the cattails swaying--
blown by wind,
the distant hurricanes swirling
near the coast of Africa, waiting.

you forget--
until you can't forget anymore
when your feet disturb unseen horror.

Laurie Hardway is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and studied English literature at Hiram College before earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kent State University.  While teaching high school English, Laurie has lived in Washington State and Florida and has spent the last three years in Japan. She enjoys spending time with her family, photography, and traveling.  In addition, some of her writing is being submitted to various poetry contests.