Rialto Beach

These bones -- mute testament
to the rage and muscle of the sea --
yet standing still, once waves
and spume subside; bare branches
stretch long pleading fingers to the sky
while roots, exposed, lie fallen,
tossed in piles upon the shore,
a playground for the bold
who come to stand before the wild
and churning waves to risk
the power, feel the fear, and breathe.