| by Catherine Carver ~ 1969 |
| There I was alone on a beach, walking with the wind blowing. It was early in the winter and the air was crisp to my face. My hair blew freely. Beautiful gulls flew in the sky, screeching the news of a new day. The smell of salt water tingled my nose, but left me feeling cold and empty. As i walked, the sand blew across my path covering my footprints. Looking around me, I saw only the vastness of the land, sea and sky. The only mark of direction came from the sun shining before me. Beside me at the edge of the water, the waves crashed against the rocks sending arms of water toward me. They grabbed at my thin jacket, beckoning me to play. I would not be lured into the game, and I just kept walking, pausing only briefly on the grassy bank. Slowly I bent to touch the sand. My hands began to build. Soon I had made a castle. It too felt cold and empty like my heart. All at once the wind whisped by bringing sounds of voices from my past. Yes, that's what is was. Friendly voices I knew. I heard Cindy, and Dori, and Woody. Woody was my boyfriend before we moved away. We shared pizza and cokes, held hands as we walked, and passed notes to one another in class. He kissed me after the Sadie Hawkins dance in the school gym, and he stopped writing to me about three months after we moved. I looked up expecting to see them, now, running toward me. I imagined myself running to meet them, but they ran right through me like ghosts. When we were last together, we were among the people that were scattered like the pebbles all along the beach; laughing, and playing in the sand and water. Carefree! We worshipped the sun, striving to get the perfect tan, while others kept cool and protected under a supposed shelter. I was at home, safe and warm. All at once a wave came through and washed away my castle. I'm forced back to the present. Alone, I stand and continue to walk; the path before me is clear and straight. My future awaits. I find myself wishing for the summer sun and the warmth of a companion who will fill my empty heart. I dream of filling my heart with laughter and my voice with a new song. It is getting late, and the evening air begins to chill by my bones. If I remain just a little longer, I will see a beautiful sunset, and perhaps my prince will appear before me. He will be the one to abide with me in a new castle. I won't walk alone then. For now, I must be patient, and keep on walking. |
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