I love the beach the most when the sun is not shining.

When stinging waves numb unprotected toes.

When a light drizzle moistens one's hair.

When even seagulls huddle together against the wind.

And there are no sun worshipers to complain.

I see all of Neptune's treasures before me.

Sea glass, periwinkles, starfish, broken and whole seashells

Are all rushed to my feet

Tantalizing me…then taunting me

Jerking out of my reach

But sometimes I am quicker.

My eyes are sharper.

My hands more nimble.

My skin is unaffected against the cold and damp.

My heart races faster with delight as I snatch a prize away from the waves

And possess a perfect gray sandollar.

I am lucky today.

I have a half dozen trophies in a clamshell.

Yet the greatest pleasure comes when I give one of my hard won prizes away

To a small child.