Too Much to Carry

This morning I found

the leavings of a hundred lives

storm-strewn ashore.

The usual things

floats in red and white 

or neon colors 

pulsing against the gray

bits of yellow rope

empty water bottles

shaped like floats.

But, then there was the gallon jug of milk--half full--

a jar of spaghetti sauce

and one of instant coffee.

Three light bulbs, one plain 60 watt, 

and two enormous globes from some giant’s lamp.

One tire.

One sturdy gray rubber glove.

One empty tool box.

One shoe.

I turned around when I found

three counterfeit ducks

bobbing in the froth,

looking west and longing.

1/9/08

Published in 2008 Rain Magazine