BECAUSE IT IS DAWN

Because it is dawn

walking alone along
reading my poetry aloud

on Crane's beach

except for one other soul
in the high tide
looking like a bride
in a canopy
over the diving board
in her bright bikini

knowing it's O.K.
and not remiss
as she walks toward me
with a kiss of peace
not thinking something
may be amiss
yet she seems so assured
and being Sunday
maybe she thinks
we are still in church
but I believe it is pure
agape love to behave
in a friendly way
maybe she wants to talk

to a runner along the Bay

along the marathon waves

reaching out by the quay

trying to speculate

what awaits today
for our itinerary
maybe we both are
waiting for an escaping date
out in an ocean kayak

for I'm asking this diver out

with a rising quiver on my back

for who really
is this laughing swimmer

beside me in her bikini

not thinking of me as
just some wise guy
who reaches out to play jazz
over the beach's sunrise 

for all this soul can do in reply
is to my offer to the diver

in a deep splash
or try to take on the board

the Kierkegaardian leap of faith
as I have already
secured my reward.