Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer.
But, the news must not have reached the Jersey shore.
For the day after, it was scorching hot.
Cars were lined up to park all along the beach.
As though the holiday were still in progress.
Despite absence of lifeguards, concession stands, beach tags.
For us, the first time this season in New Jersey.
Mostly because of Bob’s eye surgery in late Spring.
And a busy travel schedule.
The day was glorious.
Pounding surf.
Salty breezes.
Frolicking seagulls, plovers.
Sounds, smells, visuals.
Nudging memories.
Maybe jolting them.
Children, grandchildren jumping waves.
Older parents strolling the boardwalk.
Family members disembarking from the train.
Dashing across foot bridges in the park.
Buying chocolates and wine in town.
Those times seemed more pliant,
the road more circumscribed.
The world a gentler place,
not jumbled, in overdrive.
Lynn Benjamin
September 6, 2023
