I don’t know why we were alone that day

            for breakfast in Cayucos’ Wings Café,

            home of the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

(Why were you so attracted to the dark?)

I’m here, Mom, in the water, in the light.

                        Please see me.

I see you on the beach in lingering fog

            a glow of morning sun surrounds you warm

            in your blanket with your book,

            Moro Rock so high above.

I’m body-surfing, Mom!

                        Please see me.

Let me see that you are looking at me.

I want to feel your smiling gaze, the warmth

            of your approval,

            to know you see that I am swimming

            even though that day Dad

            threw me in the pool without a word,

that I can ride the waves,

                        that I will float.

   You could not see me when I let you go,       

          but see me now, Mom, see me   

                     somehow please.

           Please let me see you see me    

                        pleasing you.