Sestina

He looked into her dark brown eyes and said, “I love
You.” She couldn’t think of anything more tragic.
She fiddled with the grass in her small hands
And saw the mists of rain
Over the ocean’s horizon. They walked
In silence, down the curve of Hukilau Beach.

The waves lapped quietly on the beach.
She didn’t dare tell him that she loved
Him more than the sun. He slowed his walk
To gaze into her eyes. They looked tragic,
Blinded by the oncoming rain.
She stopped to place a flower in his hand.

He made a circle with his strong hands
Around her waist as they trudged down the beach.
Her make-up smeared with the tiny drops of rain.
“I’m leaving soon,” he said. “Do you love
Me?” She nodded, knowing their tragic
End neared, as did their walk.

She neared the shore, walking
Along the sea foam, hands
Outstretched, bearing blossoms. It was all but tragic.
She ran towards him, up the beach,
And gave him a plumeria. “This is my love,”
She said. Her tears flowed like rain.

They escaped to the ironwood forest, out of the rain.
He led her to a tree trunk, walking
Alongside his eternal love.
He caressed her every curve with his hands
And promised to return to the beach
On a night less tragic.

The couple clung to each other tragically,
Sheltered from the warm rain,
And whispered promises on that beach:
“I will return again,” he said. They walked
Together, hand in hand,
Convinced they were meant to love.

Hukilau Beach never felt so tragic
As the day love made the rain.
They’d walk again, holding hands.