I sit quietly on the beach, my bare feet pressed firmly into the cool, wet sand. With my arms looped around my knees I gaze intently at the horizon. The sun has just set. Streaks of lavender and deep, dusty blue fills the sky and reflect peacefully on the deep waters. Closer to shore the white crested wave�s crash against the sandy beach not five feet from where I sit. Take a deep breath I fill my lungs with the crisp, salty ocean air. The fingers of my right hand trail over an upturned shell. Smiling softly I pick up a stone and idly write my name in the sand. For a moment it is as though time is standing still. The eternal rhythms of the ocean soothe my soul and bring me peace.
Approaching you I smile. �Hi Hon, wasn�t that sunset beautiful?� I sit down in the canvas chair and watch the last streaks of lavender turn deep blue and welcome the dark night sky. �Aye, it was.� You whisper softly. Glancing over at me you notice that I have drawn my legs up on the edge of the chair and am hugging my knees.
�You cold sweetie?� You move in the hammock as I nod to you. �Come on then, silly, crawl in here with me.� You smile broadly. With a quick grin I scramble off the chair and ease in beside you.
�Ooo� you are warm,� I smile softly into your shirt as I snuggle up next to you. �I didn�t want to interrupt.� I respond quietly. You smile as you kiss my forehead.
�You could never be an interruption, love.� You wrap your arms around me as I snuggle closer. Sighing softly you continue, �I just have so much to think about� it is making me weary.�
With my arm across your chest I give you a big hug. Quietly, almost to myself I say, �I know, Hon. But I�m here and I love you.�
You hug me tightly for a moment, your voice rumbling quietly in your chest. �I know sweetie� and for now that is all I need.�
With a soft light blanket thrown over us, we watch the moon rise on the ocean, its silvery light reflecting off every ripple and every cresting wave. The sand reflects a soft white glove making the beach a black and silver portrait. A gentle breeze rustles through the tree tops lulling us to sleep. With my ear pressed against your chest. I listen to the slow, hypnotic beating of your heart. Your breathing slows and becomes regular. Slowly my eyes close and I drift off to sleep.
M.B. Hall
November 11, 1997