Changing equations

I was all of a foot and half or two
It was my very first time by the sea
I squealed, a little in fear, a little in delight
as the foamy edges reached for my feet

I held my father's hand a little tighter.
the waves were teasing,
But I stood still
little aware that thrill also meant beware

And then there was the time when a huge wave
nearly swept me away,
Comfort levels grew
but fear remained

There was then the phase
When going to sea meant
sandy beaches and castles of sand
watched on from a distance

I grew taller,perhaps wiser too
Each day as i walked by the sea
No one to watch on me this time
In solitude, the waves saw me through

But each time I tried holding back sand
It would slip through my fingers
Leaving only a few crystals
stuck to the dampness of my palm

So this time when I sat by the sea
Gave up trying to hold on to sand
Held the crystals that stayed back
Up against the sun instead