Scavenger

Dark grey water washed over me as I paddled, biting my head, stinging my teeth. Offshore winds carried smoke from neighborhood fireplaces to my nose, reminding me of warmer places.

 Birds hunted for fish and I for waves. 

The ocean meant to us both more than gold. 

Finally my icy, inflexible fingers could no longer paddle. 

As I walked up the beach I thought:

 I hope I live like this forever.