water

the ocean sighs,

holding the body of a young child

against his chest.

trying to warm up this limp life

as if the lantern could be relit,

as if the eyes, damp and peaceful

could be opened 

once again.

he takes a deep breath

and lays the small body

on the shore,

taking one last touch of cold skin

before drawing away,

back into the deep

dark

world.