This Ordinary Thursday

If you need an escape, there’s a smell on the Cape that’s just magic
It’s the salt and the breeze and the flowering trees
And the towels that dry in the sun
It’s nostalgia and music and homemade ice cream all rolled into one
And you don’t even know
Cause your life has just begun
But
I’m gonna show you the ocean
You’re gonna play in the sand
You’ve never been to the ocean
Or stood on the turf where the surf meets the land
I get to show you the ocean
Your eyes will widen with glee
You’ll watch the fishies that tan in the tidepools
I’ll watch my love fall in love with the sea
And when summer is through there’s a lot we can do in the winter
You’ll have snowflakes to catch, we’ll make cookies from scratch
Get a parrot and teach him to sing
Who could guess that so quickly I’m filled with joy
That only you can bring?
And if one day you’re blue
Trust me I’ve got just the thing
See
I’m gonna show you the ocean
You’re gonna ride on a boat
You’ve never been to the ocean
Or sat near the spot where the dottybacks float
I get to show you the ocean
Kid, you’ve got so much in store
I’ll be your teacher, your guide and protector
You’ll be my muse, always asking for more
I’m sure one day you’ll want to go out on your own
You’ll think I’m limited at best
Though intellectually I know the day will come
I can’t imagine how I’ll handle all the rest
What if you don’t like the water?
What if you won’t learn to swim?
What if one day someone steals your heart and breaks it open?
And you think no one loves you but her?
I promise you my little turtle
The ocean tides will still sing their tune
And mama’s love will always be here
Constant as the moon
So
Go chase your dreams to the ocean
You take as long as you need
I’ll wait for you by the ocean
Content in my nook with a book I can read
I get to show you the ocean
Tomorrow morning we’ll start
Let’s wake up early and search for a starfish
I’ve got your swimsuit
And you’ve got my heart

*Georgia Stitt, This Ordinary Thursday