The tide comes in
And the boy is born
A screaming bundle
Kicking with life.

The tide goes out
And the boy
Cries with heartbreak
Because his play things broke.

The tide washes in
And the boy
Steps on the bus with fear
With excitement.

The tide moves out
And the boy is impaled
By the arrow of love
And the stake of trust.









The tide leaves
And the man settles down
A house, two kids
And a dog.

The tide rises
And the man ages
With heartbreak
Away from his children.

The tide floats back
Dust settles on the windowsill
His life,
A hazy grey.

The tide stands still
And the man lies still
Thinking that
He has not left a mark
And will not be remembered.