He runs down the sand dune
Slipping sliding down
Flings his fishing line over his head
A school of dolphin near the shore
Dive in and out of the water
I can’t believe it
Father wants to catch
One
He runs down the beach
Races with the dolphins
They play with him
Tease him
Never losing pace
His feet
Pound the shoreline
Keeping up
Until
Far down the beach
He loses breath
Falls back
And they swim
Away
—1981
(under)Painting by Brian McQueen
I LOVE this poem. Love the image of my grandfather playing with dolphin. I miss Granddad.