three dykes
flying kites
on the beach
out of reach
in the sky
very high,
higher than all
they do not fall
my sisters
not misters
in control
so I'm told
I stare
against the glare
of sky and wind
as they bend
one rainbow flag
one hot pink diamond
one boxy, shapes of colors
diverse as the three
who only glance at me
from this world we share,
to know, to care,
strangers on the shore,
that's all
there's no more.

--4/15/01

Crown Memorial Beach, Alameda, California