A Day at the Docks

It's been a very, very long time since I've seen my friend Peace. I don't say that to defame her, Peace is always available to see me. It's just rare that I make time for her. To notice her, welcome her, sit and listen to her. But today we went fishing. She was happy to see me, and I her.

We relished in the salty air, the overcast sky painting the sailboats a looming gray, the sound of the water waving gracefully from below. I rolled up my jeans to sit on the edge of the dock, but she dove into the water. She laughed as she had scared all the fish away, but I didn't mind. I was ready to sit and share a slow afternoon with her. Let the fish take a lifetime to bite.

I baited the hook and tossed the line, feeling a calmness wash over my body as I settled into my awaited meditation. Peace sat beside me, emanating. She was so comfortable in my presence. Any other friend would have felt neglected by my prolonged absence, but Peace feels no reproach. Her life force comes from echoes of birds in an autumn forest, a rain drop racing down a car window, the flicker of a candle in a low-lit room. Fully flourishing in every single moment, she cannot be stunted by my shortcomings.

As I sat with Peace, she encouraged me to check in with my loved ones. Her heart is generous, and she readily shares our visits, even as infrequently as they come.

Peace watched for bites as I entertained my texts and calls. She is clever like that, knowing the fish would only bite if I surrendered my thoughts to something other than myself. Something similar to "a watched pot never boils". Sure enough, after I ended a phone call with my father, a tug at my line. A taut moment, shortly followed by rejoicing as I pulled up a doctorfish. We appreciated his iridescent scales, and carefully handled him so as not to get pierced by his spine. Back into the water he went!

After some more watching and waiting, it was clear there would be scarce game here. Peace and I found the whole situation rather amusing, being we were on an urbanized shoreline with a puny 6ft cane pole and 3lb line. We got exactly what we expected, but more than that, we got exactly what we needed. We needed that time to just be with one another. Reflecting on our visits, I am always exactly where I need to be when I'm with Peace. There is no longing for more time in the day, anxiety, racing thoughts, or thinking ahead to the next task for the day. A rarity in all her forms, time with Peace is time well spent.

There is just… Peace. Peace and Me.