Osaka Tale

In the harbour
in the distant land,
she is caring for her lover
as the ocean kisses sand.
It is wartime
and her lover leaves tonight,
and togetherness like a passing treasure
is as precious as the clean air,
and as fleeting as the light.

With her clasp she says I love you
as they listen to the waves,
like a rush of air they whisper,
breathing slowly like a man,
and they pull away and hiss goodbye,
as the ocean kisses sand.

© Mark Sheeky. Permission is required for reproduction.