Adrift

Razor-edged wind whips across rocks,
bouncing off waves to beat on a face
already raw and bruised
as he flings his words at me,
his claims of comfort –
they dance in my ears, taunting,
slaps lurking beneath their noise,
promising refuge while slashing the safety net
from beneath my dangling legs.
It’s been a long and painful mile
to this bitter beach where I rest,
torn feet bleeding on the rocks,
but my pain does not impress.
I carve moons into my palms
and wait for a peace
that never comes.
Rolling waves lick at rocks
while she stands stoic at the sight –
I turn my eyes skyward to see
a blurry gull swoop to the water,
trying to ease his aching hunger.