ocean air mixed with bonfire smoke

crashing waves muffle the laughter of revelers

standing still, eyes closed, arms bolted to my sides

bracing myself against the cold wind spraying cold mist

soothing my thirsty skin, and racing heart

and you, determined triton rising from the sea,

long strides declaring “okay we’ve seen it, it’s cold, let’s go”

as tentatively, softly, your lips find their way back to mine