Tempted

I saw people swimming
sailing
wind-surfing

I wondered if I could be brave like them
I wanted to

I wanted to
as I stood awkwardly at the water's edge
and watched the tide roll in

I could hear you shouting to me
egging me on
'come on in, the water's lovely'

you were dazzling

for a split second then I was tempted
because of the heat
and you
so young and handsome

the sun sparkled on the sea
and there were diamonds
I was sure that I saw diamonds
I longed to dive right in
for a moment there I was convinced I could swim

then an unexpected wave
splashed across my feet
making me jump
I suddenly realised what I had to lose

I watched you for a moment more
then turned and walked back up the beach
waved you goodbye
set you free -
carried on with my life.

(c) JH