Dancing with Sand
My shoes
echo on the
wood.
As I walk
I feel the
fierce ocean
breeze through
the windows.
This was our
place.
This was our
love.
Fierce.
If I close
my eyes
I can
hear
the music.
I can feel
your body
pressed
up against
me.
I can hear
a whisper
in my ear.
Your promises.
As you spin
me
I feel like
this is the
first time
I have been
really alive.
As the waves
crash
I open my eyes
to see this
empty
place.
Standing
alone,
I look down
at the wooden
floor to see
the sand blowing
around my
feet.
Maybe you are
still here,
Dancing with
me.
Blowing around
me like a
small sand storm.
I feel a
strong
wind gust.
And I know,
I am not
dancing alone.
I am dancing
with you,
I am dancing
with the past,
I
am
dancing
with
sand.
___
Technical Notes:
Dancing with Sand was a creative joint venture between photographer Bill McNamee and poet Christina Gabsa. The photo and poem were paired intentionally, each offering its own voice while complementing the other. Originally published on Kerrsplat!! on June 2, 2016, the collaboration marked a thoughtful intersection of visual and written expression.
Christina Gabsa is a poet and writer with a distinct creative voice. Her work can be found at her website, My Red Shell Writings, and in her book Teachings of the Olive Trees and Bumblebees on Amazon.
The image was captured using a Canon DSLR and the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 IS lens. The 16:10 aspect ratio was used to emphasize the image’s height and draw the eye through the vertical space. Post-processing was done in Adobe Lightroom, with adjustments made to deepen the tones and bring out the details and textures.