THOUGHTS FROM THE BOARDWALK

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Submitted Date 09/16/2019
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As I watch most people walk two-by-two,

or families in fours,

I walk alone, away from the world.

Every moment that the colder, fall air whips the baby hairs around my pony tail,

I remember the gorgeous September day around me.

I pause eand rest on a bench for awhile,

resting my feet after walking awhile.

I see the common activities:

Couples strolling hand-in-hand,

families with a stroller or two.

The occasional older woman clearly widowed,

enjoying her last few years by seaside.

I wander alone, lost in some distant instrumental melody,

but very present to my surroundings.

I sit among a crowd of people to enjoy the ocean view.

It's not long before I am the last to remain.

Perhaps people are afraid to bother me.

Perhaps seeing a younger woman all alone is percieved as strange.

Or, maybe it's all in my head.

Regardless, I sit here among the crisp air,

and whipping wind,

as it picks up the tangy saltiness from the crashing waves,

not 20 yards in front of me.

They crash with such rhythm,

such perfect collision.

First one, then the next,

perfectly layering the last

To be lost in thought among the waves might be perfect,

I think,

as I gaze from my stationary perch above the shore.

All that can be seen past the waes is a muted blue.

My sinuses tighten as the breeze batters my face.

My eyes begin to water both from awe,

and exhaustion from blinking through salt, sand, and air.

I close my eyes and let the wind take me,

to a simpler time,

a livelier yet quieter place.

Comments

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  • Ceara 4 years, 6 months ago

    Everyone needs some alone time once in a while. The boardwalk, the beach, I think is the perfect place to be alone. I know for me, watching the waves is very soothing and mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing!

  • Rick Doble 4 years, 6 months ago

    I wander alone, lost in some distant instrumental melody,
    Good description of a mood we have all experienced.