On the Beach

On the beach

The sun bleached the gathered forms

With coats and ties and sighs all formal

They waited for me

Blackened backs facing

I waited for their formation to break

As a welcoming smile breaks

And is disarming

I waited for their hail

But the committee did not turn

I grew aware that they knew that I was there

Were retorts, but no one cared

Were retorts, but no one cared

I waited for their formation to break

As a welcoming smile breaks

And is disarming

I waited for their hail

I waited for their hail