She carries
ten limestones
to the ocean,
each wrapped
in vine leaves,

and throws one
every minute,
counting the
seconds
between.

Today
it takes
seven
before he
crawls

from the water –
slimy,
salty,
steaming
in the sun.

His arms
are green
with algae
but all she needs
is his kiss.

Mark Farley writes novels, flash fiction and the occasional poem.