Ocean View

Ocean View(Alyssa Somyk) Ocean View

The sound of the ocean ripples from ear to ear as I stand at water’s edge, inhaling the refreshingly salty air. The wind dances upon my cheeks, lightly ruffling the tiny wisps of hair that have broken free from my loosely styled braid. The sea shines, as if glazed over with liquid diamonds, seeming to wink at me from the horizon, reflecting the beautiful sunset that paints the sky pastel. I take a long deep breath, reveling in the moment of tranquility that the seaside never fails to bring to me, burying my toes deeper into the sun-warmed sand. This is my peace. This is my time to allow the world to slow around me, and to shut the demons of the day out. I turn my golden kissed face upwards, admiring the marvelous array of purples, blues, oranges, and reds. It is almost as if the blend of hues is the work of the most skilled artist — a MichaelAngelo in its prime. Flaps of cool water continue to rush over my feet and ankles, embedding them farther down into the gritty sand below.

I kneel into the small waves, placing my hands out in front of me, watching them fill up with the heavy sand, washing clean with the next crash of the ocean. Crouching in silence, my mind is clear of any worry or pain. The water uncovers a hidden treasure: a small rose pink clamshell, still partially buried in the sand. Removing it carefully, I examine the exterior, running my fingertips along the coarse grooves of the shell, and the sharp peaks of the edges. Flipping the artifact over, I take account for the baby smooth underbelly, a white base streaked with the pastel-like blush from the rougher side. Sighing softly, I pocket the treasure in my teal satchel, and stand up, stretching my long, feminine arms up to the now dim heavens. The sun dips beneath the horizon, as if the sea were swallowing it up. The breeze never becomes brisk, but rather, the heat is muted, and I pull my thin, white cover-up closer around me. It clings to my skin, wet and salty residue left from her recent water play-acting as the adhesive.

I slightly look up noticing that a sudden grayish sky is appearing. I stare into the horizon as I watch the sky change from the beautiful cyan to a deep gray blackish hole destroying her sanctuary. The wind starts to pick up, howling like a single wolf alone calling to his pack. The waves that used to be gentle and playful are now starting to accelerate. They violently crash down on the thin grains of sands. I look around me to find myself in complete isolation, but I know I am not alone. I listen to Mother Nature as if the world is her playhouse and we are just a bunch of her toys. Mother Nature is rejoicing with us now as everything around is becoming uncontrollable. I start to feel the slightest bit of rain drops pierce my skin like baby’s tears gently falling form their face. I know it is time for me to leave.

I start to walk up the beach speeding up my pace as the raindrops smash into my skin. Then suddenly a gigantic boom occurs and I jump like a cat about to be thrown into water. The sound punctures my ear drums and puts me into a frantic state. My heart starts to pound out of my chest. I start to sprint, running down the sidewalks. I feel soaked now like I had just taken a fresh shower. I keep pushing my body until finally I see the old bluish off colored door. I quickly scurry inside to get away from Mother Nature’s brutal game.

As I enter the house my heart beat instantly slows down. I lean against the back of the door and my leg muscles start feeling weak. I gradually start to sink down to the floor. My head rests on the back of the door. I take deep breaths. I close my eyes and listen as the sound of the rain hammering the roof soothes me. I can feel the droplets of water dripping from my braid lightly hit my leg. I stay there for a minute questioning if I have the strength to stand up. But I still feel feeble and unable to move. So I sit there just listening.

Eventually I realize how long of a period I have been sitting against the door. I rise to my feet and pace towards the window. I no longer hear the pounding sound of rain. I arrive at the window and gaze out. Mother Nature has returned the peace that she had once given me earlier that day. The blue cyan sky returned. The sun rays were hitting the street, reflecting off, reheating the pavement. Steam gushed upwards towards the sky. The storm was over.

I stayed there for a while. Just observing and thinking. This time I was unable to feel the wind, the heat or the sand between my toes. Then I realized there is no place on the earth where I would rather be. I was able to observe the natural beauty that Mother Nature had created for the world to enjoy, yet I was safe from it all. I was untouchable. I then laid on the couch just perfectly to where I can see the outside. My escape.