Easy to spot
in her swimsuit the color
of red hibiscus against the soft
blue sky and ultra-marine
of the ocean behind. Her hair
a soft white,
like my Grandmother had
after cutting off the harsher
shade of gray to wear it short.
The lady walked along the shore,
her elephant-wrinkled legs
for all to see and I decided
right then and there
I wanted to be like her;
still walking beaches and playing
in ocean waters no matter
how old I am and to wear
the beach clothes with pride
as someone who has reached
that age deserves to do.
I think they've earned
the right.