Gypsy Elegy

The hands of a child reaching out for help
something small for sale that fit in a palm
I think it was hope shaped like a small trinket
and eyes looked beyond into the sea so calm

Dark skies and waves can sometimes deceive
tip toes and shivers and giggles on the beach
But the sea has claim on those whom it desires
regardless of protests said in panic driven speech

Now hands of care pulled two to safety
may they live and love twice as much and grow old
And know all the joys of the two the sea claimed
and only returned with bodies peaceful yet so cold

And a loving gesture has never been no more true
than the beach blankets given to form simple shrouds
And the sea breeze kissed them and said its farewell
in elegy as several crossed themselves in the crowd

I wish I knew their secret language
to say a prayer in their tongue
And whatever song their mother softly sung
may it never be forgotten and one day again be sung