Sand Castles
Children gather in small groups on the beach.
They talk and laugh,
they sing and shout,
they spin and dance,
they show off and play,
trying to wear themselves out.
One of them begins to build a sand castle.
They stand and watch,
they point and admire,
they talk about castles,
and dream of their own,
they start to grow jealous.
Some others gather groups of friends to build their own castles.
They sweat and toil,
they command and criticize,
they argue and fight,
they build themselves up,
and tear each other down.
The competitive frenzy spreads and touches every child.
Their castles grow higher,
beach creatures must leave,
they have nowhere to live,
the smart and strong children,
climb up to give directions.
A few children grow tired and disillusioned.
They fly from the castles,
they seek out new lands,
they find no land unspoilt,
they run to the sea,
and learn how to swim.
They look to the past when their lives were carefree.
They splash and wallow,
they dive and explore,
they laugh and sing,
they cry for their kin,
adding tears to the sea.
The tide begins to change.
The workers run to sea,
the castles melt and fall,
the high are brought down,
they are caught by surprise,
they fall far and fast.
As the tide goes back out, children gather in small groups on the beach.
