White sand beaches breathe themselves into existence.

Paint spreads in swaths of purple and blue

as the sunset becomes a part of this live canvas.

Stars spill wishes into the cupped sliver of moon.

My brush moves faster

as a body takes its place in the foreground.

My heart beats in the colors and textures.

Love paints the face I adore

but it turns away to look down the beach

at sand castles and shells

scattered by gentle tides.

A hand reaches past the known land

to take the most perfect of the sea's gifts

and offers it to me

as unseen fingers touch my cheek.

Lips kiss the corner of my mouth.

An unforeseen gift.

An unexpected lover.

A perfect painting.

My heart is satisfied.