big believer

I'm a big believer in love -
but really, it's up to you.
If you don't believe in love,
we can find something else

To Do.

I love going out
after rain, to walk on the slimy stones
in hiking boots
through mud
and grass,
over miles of paths,
'til I finally get to the top
with you,
and the sun has dried
out, oh everything.

And just look at the view. I love

flying kites,
on a kite-flying day
where you're feeling the steady wind,
and it makes you say suddenly oh! This is perfect -
how perfect would this day be,
if we had a kite? I love

the beach, so much.
When the water feels like
coming home, and the crashing waves
feel like love's overwhelming
welcome, and
you come out amazed
to flop on a towel,
all worn-out in the sun.
Already thinking about
your next plunge

and if you don't believe in love, can I ask

have you ever had one?

I know! Sometimes it's bad.

And sometimes you slip
and crack your head
on the rain-slick stones,
and sometimes you get yourself caught
in the string,
and pulled straight off a cliff,
by a kite

who wants to go wandering. And sometimes,
you go to the beach and drown. And

so often, you end up alone.
But you know what? I want to go out.
And go in,
and if need be, go down. The surf

is calling me home.