The Woman I Almost Understood

The Woman I Almost Understood

The waves slowly sing across the shore, swoosh
across the ivory sand, repeatedly,
the chorus calls and drums against the rocks.

The water rolls across the ocean’s skin,
and I, above the waves, am not alone
as we nod ceaselessly through the tide.

She floats with me out deeper than I dare.
Her black hair scatters across the surface,
like a spider’s web, entangling the sea.

I wonder how she floats out there, alone,
further out than any other swimmer.
I doubt she even knows; I am right here.

I fight the waves, pushing the water to
my sides as I swim to her, to welcome
her, as I reach to her and say “Hello”.

She waves me off and says to my surprise,
"Por favor, señor, no hablo inglés."