Love affair

Taking for granted the world Is young as he, The boy bounces on his patch Of planet, Like an astronaut on our moon; Discovers momentous things - Claiming them in the name Of his own newness; Plants his joy like an explorer's flag. Hoards stones and seeds and shells, Molted blue jay feathers, Treasured miscellany - Sea-sculptured wood and a host Of bleached-dry mysteries.

Commands waves to ebb and flow, Directs them standing in wet sand, Takes time to shepherd gulls From beach to sky.

Embraces the universe With thin, soft-fleshed arms.