We used to go to the beach.

Rented cottage.

The cars so full the family had to split in two

But always Dad and I were together.

Air conditioning never worked

So the wind played havoc with my hair

Never a dull moment with Dad and I.

Excitement of vacation filled the car.

I sang along with the radio.

Dad always tried to change the station.

Driving down the steaming blacktop

Overwhelming anticipation tingled me.

I could never wait to get to the beach.

Knowing that as soon as we arrived,

The time of our lives would begin.

The whole family would swim in the lake

And lie in the sand.

The sand always relaxed me even though it burned my feet.

At night right before sunset

When the lake was getting darker just as the sky was lighting up.

Dad and I would walk along the beach.

We'd watch the other people, and sea gulls

As they played at the water's edge.

Ourselves shoeless and splashing

Then the whole family would gather

Around a campfire and roast marshmallows.

Dad and I will be the last ones out.

Together staring up at the stars

Twinkling and shimmering in their sea of darkness.

Then as quickly as the fun began,

It would be over.

We would never rent that cottage again.