The Slowing

The glowing orange orb drops onto the horizon while skies slowly transition through a kaleidoscope of color. Eyes adjust to the excitement of each moment as rippling blue seas brighten and glimmer.

An old couple meanders silently by in lock step, holding plastic bags, stopping frequently to pick up shells.

A bouncy child recently running with her pup, now kneeling in the soft sand. She scoops up handfuls and allows the grains to spill slowly, sifting through tiny fingers as they fall back to earth.

Energetic couples walking hand in hand, moving quickly, chattering and laughing, scattering seagulls with every step.

My mind had been racing like a sandpiper escaping each oncoming wave. Now sitting alone on the seawall observing the theatrics of a beach sunset I notice my hands and shoulders relax, my breath slows and evens. As the show unfolds, a slight smile finds its way to my lips.

The ocean surface reflects the yellow-orange of the setting sun and slowly deepens to the darkest of blue, with a shimmering silver frosting. My life, as it is, has filled another day. As sky and sea darken and last light fades, I imagine my flighty soul following that gorgeous sun as it travels, experiencing places I hope to find in my dreams.