Beach Bum

now is the time to slope off
do what I always wanted to
ride a boxcar to Seattle
thumb my way to the ocean

build a lean-too up the beach
live on shellfish and crabs
build my fires from driftwood
sleep in the company of firs

and I'll spend my days
walking those Pacific beaches
where the long rollers disgorge
their spoils at my feet

those big green glass buoys
of the fishermen, treasures from
the orient - who knows what
- and I'll drag them home

my clock will tell me tide time