Shawn L. Bird

For Friesens and Bhatias who are grieving the loss of their fathers this week.

.

I followed behind him on the beach.

He turned with a smile and opened his arms

for me to run into

and he swung me schrieking

high into the air,

catching my laughter on the way down.

I stood on his shoulders as he

launched me into the surf

squealing and splashing.

Then screaming and thrashing

as I gulped in salt water

and my feet desperately

saught security

until his hands reached down

and pulled me into the haven

of his embrace.