A faint name
embedded in the moist sand
So far up, the ocean's
persistent waves couldn't budge it.

The author has long since departed.
Persuaded by hunger or his watch
to move on.

He wants the sea to remember him.
What he is and what he stands for.

So when he comes back,
In the crisp summers to be announced,
the Tide will smile on his feet
and ankles
And say:

It's been a while.