To reconcile the distance & the time it takes

Shredding the opulent ocean air
she indicates the measure
of tide, of time, & the steps
that take you there & back again

riding in on her half-shell surfboard
a sea nymph I guess
                              she licks her green lips
              with a silver tongue
                                                as a million sunsets ripple in her eyes
lovingly soaked in gasoline

              I still have the photograph
& the scars
                              & the silkscreened cover art
in full color
              even black & white
                              with delicate rainshadow beadwork
so customized
                              except for the ritual
string of pearls

& the long tunnel out