My fellow coconut trees usually greeted me, flailing their arms for acknowledgement
To-day, as I sulk past them, I feel their breath on my neck as they bend backwards
Offering their consoles, their sympathy, their pats-on-the-back

I sit on the sand with my head on my knees, rocking back and forth
The sand’s playful self would usually pounce on me
To-day, it is collected, offering its massive presence for me to lie on

As I sit upright again, I cry, I bleed
The sea has never been this comforting as it rushes to me
As if for years, saltiness has found its mate in my tears

I thank them and let go, I let the sea take me