Categories: Paulann Petersen

Beneath the Light at the Newport Beach Pier–Rachel Barton

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

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