I wonder if she knows....

This missing her goes on and on... I walk the beach along the rushing waters of the bay as they rush to the ocean. The tide is ebbing. The afternoon is growing late. I walk for awhile, oblivious to most people doing their vacation activities, moms, dads, children splashing in the water, digging in the sand...

I do notice one young woman tossing a softball back and forth with a young man. They seem so happy and relaxed. Are they married? Are they dating? Are they "just friends?" All things that cross my mind as I watch momentarily, sneaking a slight peek at their little private world. I am envious. I am so alone. Yet there is one person in the world who can take this stone from my heart.

I continue along the beach until it turns to become the seashore. The waves are gentle now because of the dropping tide. I notice little jewel-like rocks in the wet sand - pause to pick them up, half-heartedly thinking I'd like to dash up to her, were she here, and open my hands with these little gifts - just for her. Pieces of my love.

When I finally find a place not crowded, I turn to look south along the distant shoreline - trying to see all the way to baja, to where I know she is. All I can do is shout, "I love you, girl! I love you. I love you. I will always love you..."

I turn to make a slow walk back to the car.