In my wanderings,
I leave behind
what seems to be
a beach full of mistakes.
Sometimes I even admire their
ingenuity, their colours, their unique shapes.
For the most part though, I see and feel
their darkness, their rough textures,
and wonder at the extent of my unknowing.
I taste the salty depth of what can’t
be recreated, can’t ever be undone.
But I know that if I hang on to them for too long,
pick them up, one after another, polish them,
then my pockets will grow heavy
and take the joy out of today.
It is better to leave them behind,
let them settle
and turn
with the tides.
–Janice Henshaw