Sue Johnson is a poet, short story writer and novelist. Her other interests include reading, walking and yoga. Sue is a Writing Magazine Creative Writing Tutor and also runs her own brand of writing workshops. Further details of her work can be found at
www.writers-toolkit.co.uk
Beach Walk
I walk the strand line of a winter beach.
Mist blurs the horizon and my lips taste of salt.
My boots crunch pebbles – mustard yellow,
duck egg blue, milk chocolate
as I remember childhood games and pretend picnics
with dolls and teddies lined up along the breakwater.
I take off my boots and walk barefoot
on cool damp sand
towards the frilled edge of the sea
collect shells and seaweed
and watch the endless patterns of birds
across ice blue sky.
When the yoga teacher tells us to move fingers and toes
circle wrists and ankles
deepen our breathing
open our eyes
I resurface through the gap in time
surprised to find my feet are warm and dry.
Sue Johnson