The sun alights the horizon

as waves crash onto shore,

throwing their wet blanket onto the sand,

and then pulling it away again.

Each time the water recedes,

a small bottle is revealed,

tossed and jostled in the chaos

until it finally is left behind

as the tide fades back to sea.

The tiny vessel now lies still,

its glass glistening as the day brightens.

A small piece of paper within

hides its secret,

folded so the written words cannot be seen.

The dreams of its owner

are penned in ink

and pinned on the hope

that a curious passerby

will take the time to read what’s inside.