First time at the beach

They say
sticks and stones
may break my bones

But I’m at the beach
sticks and stones
are glistening unarmed

I pick up sticks
throw them across the sands
for Leah to fetch

I scavenge smooth rocks
call them pebbles
stack them atop

the pebbles and sticks
don’t go gently, but soon
find their way into the water

the sea reciprocates
with wet splashes
and grainy waves

sand in crevices
‘round my giggly toes, I suspect
they might be lying

when they say
sticks and stones
may break my bones