She Saves Sea Shells

It is afternoon, and she is slick 
with sea residue and summer heat, 
draped in a sheer pearly sun gown. 
Minding the sand upon the shore, 
crystal waters bring her a shell, 
an oyster locket without its soul.

“See how beautiful it is in the light,” 
she raises this blessing to the air 
beaconed by the rays of June. 
I tilt my head; I see such beauty 
emulating from her presence.

“Store it for good luck,” I tell her 
and I offer my hand as a chest 
for her affection to be kept safe, 
to remain settled in our season.

She lays her heart in my chilled palm 
and it radiates a golden warmth 
between my fingers and silver rings.

She leans over, slowly embracing 
the tender plush of my doughy waist 

soaking me in her summer heat.