Earlier this week I had a night to myself and
ended up taking a long walk on one of my favorite beaches. The tide was low so
there was lots of beach to enjoy. And it happened to time so that I got to
experience the whole transition from the bright of day to the dark of night. It
turned out to be one of those perfect moments when everything aligns and you’re
just glad to be alive, and be there to enjoy it. Just beautiful. Part way up
the trail back to the car I paused to record the moment in the below poem, which
I feel speaks for itself. While driving home I reflected upon the experience
and was stuck by
the fact that I could have sat in front of a computer screen, or
worked in the garage or watched TV for the evening. Instead, I got out and did
what I love … and was rewarded with, literally, perfection. In truth, the rest
of this week has been a whirlwind of work and meetings and obligations. Yet,
because I paused for a few hours on Monday night, everything has been
different. I have been different. It’s a reminder that sometimes we get too
busy with life to actually stop and live. So this is my reminder to take a
little time out and do what you enjoy.
You won’t regret it.
Into the Night
The sun is slipping below the sea
As I wander along the shore
Traversing familiar beaches
As I have so often before
The light fades on the horizon
As nighttime smothers the day
But my steps are sure upon the path
For my heart knows the way
I pause a while upon the trail
Which climbs from the beach below
To etch this moment in my mind
These touchstones I love and know
Just enough orange left in the west
To silhouette the island I love
Just enough thumbnail moon to light
The pale ocean from above
A couple of sailboats creep along
Gliding back to the harbor tonight
Where the bell buoy beckons
With its gong and flashing light
The darkness comes, enveloping me
A chill seeps into the air
The waves roll in contentedly
Washing away all my cares
At last I turn and make my way
Up the path, away from the sea
As the song of the waves begins to fade
A peace descends upon me
By Frank Carpenter ©
