ocean

I arrived, dropped my things on the shore, and walked into the water.
She lapped at my toes, ankles, calves —
I lowered to my knees.
Her warmth was womb-like. Her waves embraced me
excitedly, like kisses
the bigger the wave, the sloppier the kiss
each one of them saying, “welcome home.”

Further my knees sunk into the sand as she cradled me.
Together we flowed — anchored,
weightless.

Mother.

The word arose and with it an abundance of joy and comfort.

She has so much to offer, and we,
so much to learn — if only we can listen.