The Boardwalk

She walks along the beach
To the boardwalk that reaches
Almost to the sea
It covers the marsh
And the warped boards
Move so gracefully
Cutting a path to the
Distant shore.
It is a place for lovers,
For family and friends
Where relationships start,
And some will end
Words are written so thoughtfully
Burned into the grain of wood
Of love shared,
Of loved ones lost
As if to hold onto them forever
If it only could.
The only thing she leaves behind
As she walks along these boards
Are her wet footprints
A few friendly words to passersby
A genuine smile or two
Her shadow now elongated
Across the deep green marsh
As she gazes into the waning sun
And listens to the shore birds
As they swoon over her head
The gentle motion of water
Beneath her feet
This is where her spirit is
The one that holds out her arms
And leans over the edge
And is not afraid
Who stands tall
With her head held high
Even though she walks alone