Suddenly a bright surprise, as just br around the bend, it stood, a string of br pearls kissed by the setting sun. br Low waves captivating the shore br softly touched their frothy caps to the br expectant sand: A lover’s kiss drawn to br put my soul at peace, and more, br beyond the nights of restless sleep br and days of ardent seeking. br br In low enticing murmurs, I hear the sea br sounds call: Remember sticky taffy, br the smell of Ban Soleil? br Remember shouts of hawkers br coming from the broad midway? br How they hint at happy youthful days br lolling in the summer sun! br br At the shore line now, its sights and br sounds assail me: seagulls circle low, br haunting taunts, lamenting their lost catch; br surfers lie in patient wait for perfect waves br that never seem to crest on this calm and br peaceful day; and disappointed beach kids br kicking up the sand, anxious hands held high br begging kites to kiss the sleepy sky.