ON THE BEACH

The waves roll in hard and fast. I’m ankle deep in
Water. Just behind me are two young surfers, one
Without a forearm, the other worse. Shark victims.
The attacks came fifteen metres from where I stand.
A wave breaks over my knee. They sit in deck chairs,
Being interviewed. Talking dispassionately
About the day that changed their lives. Further down, a
Few kids swim in shallow water. Stalls cook fish, sell
Beer. Some stop and stare at the amputees, but most
Stroll on by in a beautiful world of their own.



boa viagem, recife 9.11.04