darkness swallows what is vast
white foam of tide’s edge a spectre
a muffled surf
he stands at the railing haloed in white
light so stark it erases the top of his head
his shoulders
phone in hand he might
duck into a booth
for a more complete transformation
couples and families come and go
the day winding down
their lives already full of miracles
who has time for a hero
–to withstand such a light—
just shield your eyes and walk on
