West Coast Vibe

The grey is grounding,

After all, it is December.

Standing here

In workout clothes

On the beach in Santa Monica

And not freezing.

I look out over the Pacific

Amid the beach’s paraphernalia

Restrained from exuberance

By the light drizzle.

I watch the Ferris wheel,

Bright and gaudy

Unmistakably childish

With a west-coast

Commitment to

A non-serious vibe.

I think a little of

An English grey

A little harder than this:

Slick, hard pavements

Wet and cold after the rain,

And I smile.