Forward and Back

The rocks were covered with green moss.
Above and below.
The water broke in white puffs.
Forward and back.

I opened my eyes.
They blinked in submission to the sun.
But I didn’t care.
It began that day.

I closed my eyes.
My rolled-up pants legs soaked with regret —
The memories were harsh.
But I remembered anyway.
The only way to freedom.

Why this road?
My question soared over the waves.
I didn’t know if anyone could hear.
But it had to come out.

The sand between my toes fell apart.
I walked on.
The sky was full with snowy mountain
And my heart hoped.