Night at the Beach

The sand is hot on the soles of our feet as we run through the dunes to the water’s edge. As it splashes to shore high above our knees, the first wave cools them off, almost pulling our pales and shovels from our hands. We search the beach for the right sand to build our sculptures. The dolphin will be the easiest and first on our list. Packing sand in a pile then slowly shaving it away, front to back, up and down, until the shape emerges. Narrowing the sides to the tail not forgetting the fins, nose, two eyes and a big smile. We turn next to the sea turtle the shell like a half-buried egg the head poking out of one end two boomerang-shaped flippers on each side and two in the back. The diamonds carved on its back almost bring it to life. The final challenge is the castle. Towers frame the four corners of the structure as we work to raise the walls turrets on high and a moat to keep enemies out. As the sun begins to set we are all tired. We say goodbye to our handiwork and begin the long march back, The sea nibbling at our feet. What will the night bring?