We are sitting on a beach on the edge of town

There are not many people near us

I am watching the sand martins at play

They do not seem to have a care in the world

I wished that I shared their optimism

You and I are relaxed at present

But life is just hiding from us

I can see it between the trees

It will meet us on the beach path

With all of its problems

These small birds accept our interference

After all this beach does belongs to them

But they do not complain

Occasionally I can see them watching the sunbathers

They feign an interest in our activities but remain aloof

As our worlds will not mix

You pass me a cigarette but our only lighter is empty

I smile as I know that life has broken cover yet again

And is heading in our direction