Belize

You watch us, Papa

The three of us here

Sand between our toes

The wind breaking the heat of the sun in half

Eleven boats bop below the Pelicans 

One paddle broader unafraid

Though the waves are choppy 

like cement along a stone wall

Without rhythm 

Mustang 

The palms lean in toward the wind

Their shoulders 

& body tilted 

Firm

You will find my husband like a fish

Wet 

And unafraid of the break of the water

When I first met him he was clad and tall in Hawaiian shorts

His hair long and untamed like the water today

I think water is his home

I do not find this place 

to be a small thing

And I hope I never will

Become unaware of how large a gift it is

To sit here 

The sun massaging all of us

Soaking into our skin 

I hope I never become ungrateful 

Or expectant 

Of such lush and tropical things 

The break of water on the reef 

The week away from snow

The bacon fresh on the grill

Santa behind it, wooden spoon

Perfect eggs

The quiet woman with soft bones and a fierce spirit who cut all of the fruit and makes sure we are full of vegetables 

Here, One of the sisters I never had who is bold

Confident 

And sure 

The reflections of the sun sparkling 

The teal of the water 

You watch us, and you must know

I am thankful.