My Cardboard Balcony

Coastal Town by Belinda Roddie The salt on our feet is crystallizing, and we taste so good in the ocean's mouth. It licks at our skin and wants to pull us further in. Warmer and warmer, our bodies rise to the challenge of looming waters. We build boats and carve our oars from the bones of our ancestors. When we row, the waves recede slightly in pseudo-defeat. We know better. The sea is hungry. It wants to nibble on our toes.

My mom wanted a brand new planter, but I couldn't find one for cheap. I looked everywhere - the big box stores, the home and garden center near our house, even the cute nurseries with the beautiful flowers and one of vegetable seeds. Eventually, I found a planter with a good price - only it was cracked down the middle. Eventually, I just gave up and gave my mom a gift card. She didn't seem to mind. At least, not to my face, she didn't.