Leaving Nature Unchanged While it Changes Us

My toes flex and relax

buried and being revealed

amongst the grains,

the rough softness that

polishes away months of

harsh temperatures.

I move closer to the water,

just enough so the moistened sand

holds my footprint,

a statement that says

"I am here. This moment is real. I have created a memory."

Three steps further forward,

my toes are met by the pulsing bubbles,

tickling in-between and over.

The print I make is washed away with each

hello and goodbye the wave presents.

Two steps more and my foot is covered;

hidden, with no trace remaining,

instead becoming a part of and within this place....

There is no need to leave something behind.

Instead, a need to become one with

and absorbed within; imprinted on instead.

Beach Scene

March 2, 2026

From "300 Prompts for Writing"

Thank you for reading and considering these musings...

  To consider: What aspect of nature can you become

completely absorbed in?

Feel free to leave a comment at happyarethefeet@gmail.com or post your answer at barefoot_theology on Instagram #contemplativepoetry #beach #footprintsinthesand