William Stafford

With Kit, Age 7, At The Beach

We would climb the highest dune, from there to gaze and come down: the ocean was performing; we contributed our climb. Waves leapfrogged and came straight out of the storm. What should our gaze mean? Kit waited for me to decide. Standing on such a hill, what would you tell your child? That was an absolute vista. Those waves raced far, and cold. 'How far could you swim, Daddy, in such a storm? ' 'As far as was needed,' I said, and as I talked, I swam.