Fire Island

I walked along the shore of Fire Island

And faced the awesome anger of the sea

It was no day for sun and brightened thoughts

But violence of waves that threatened me.

A vast upheaval of the world seemed near

And everything thought possible was churned

With all our knowledge in the roiling sand.

The sea then spoke to me of beauty spurned

And darkness covering the soul of man,

It roared dissatisfaction at our kind

Who can no longer hear the inner guide

For the blaring music drowning heart and mind.

I climbed the dunes exhausted and forewarned

Returning to the safety of known trees

And land that did not sink beneath my feet

And fragrances beloved upon the breeze.

I have sailed the world now fifty years have passed

But never will I forget that fierce tableau,

The message that earth is God's chosen place

And will survive – man's fate I do not know.