The squeal of children’s laughter As bare legs dodge ice-cold waves And rolled-up trousers succumb to salty water And hair is whipped by sleet laden winds Blown sand stings faces As white-tipped waves Crash against pebbly beach Passing walkers shake heads At the impetuousness of youth Yet infectious smiles spread To down-turned faces Red-numb legs and hands and cheeks Proclaim the joy of life And exultation in nature …and life is good!