Amber Lampron’s poem Writing on the Stairs appeared here in September 2014.

Going South
By Amber Lampron

We decided to go south to the ocean
When the rest of Minneapolis
Was going north to their cabins

The price was right
And the kids had forgotten
The taste of saltwater
On their tongues

We dove right in
Stinging salt on our midwestern eyes
Burrs biting in the grass
Conches surprising our toes

Hours spent laughing
With the waves
Sand caked, sticky hair
Chest burns
Wobbly tired legs

Blue crabs caught in a bucket
Amazing treasures washing in
Sand dollars, clams,
Driftwood sculptures

Happily we retire
To our nightly rest
Exhausted, sore
Complete.