flaneur of atlantis.

i like to test the waters,

one toe plunged in fearlessly,

then whole foot sunk in fearfully,

and finally a body submerged.

the coolness shocks the system,

drenches the offending figures

in salty, saline stickiness.

emerging,

fully-realized,

hair sopping wet and stuck to the neck,

eyes flung wide open.

but, as if by magic,

the water opens up,

the ocean a swallowed summer whole,

the familiarity of the unfamiliarity

all together consuming

and almost heavenly.

back to water,

eyes to sun.

the light drifts through colors-

reds,

switching rapidly between chrome and

jewel-toned warm,

oranges,

and yellows.

feet to ground,

arms to wave,

a quick 360 on a tentative toe.

images of surfers and sailors,

children,

sandcastles,

real castle-like cliffs and tumbling daredevils,

a pier full of people,

amateur tour guides,

overconfident "bruhs" and understated bros,

polished shells,

and a shore full of kelp.

twisting, shape-shifting images

all made of a singular vision,

dressed in a million colors,

and awe-inspiring wonder-

all through a singular eye

bathed in sunlight.