human handbags in the sand

I watch the kids
In the sunburnt waves
And think about cancer
Lobster shells
And the value
Of aloe vera products
 
The ocean is full
Of jazz hands
Waving? Drowning?
Maybe a bit of both
 
I've been waiting for sunset
Since I woke
It's harder to sunbake
In the dark  
And these white island clouds
Offer no protection
Against the reflected noonday surf
 
Maybe I'm in the wrong ocean
Stalking the wrong island  
Asking the questions
Because I can't see the value
Of turning my skin to leather
Like a handbag melting into the sand
A coffin lid on standby
Adorned with the plaque
"Cancer started here"
 
(C) Indie Adams 2014
 
 
Author's Note: Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
I guess this piece is a commentary on the stupidity of my country literally dying for a tan.