The sound of car tires traveling slowly over a nearby crushed seashell drive woke me early this morning. A distinctive idling car engine momentarily drowns out the sound of the waves as it cautiously turns onto the paved beach road. The car’s hesitation was dutiful yet exaggerated as Cape Cod was sleeping.
Cool ocean air makes its way through my slightly opened bedroom window. The gentle air flows softly but forcefully enough to remind me of my sunburned skin. Reflecting on my sunblock defiance yesterday despite years of knowing that the sun strikes hot in July and the cool windy temps can be deceiving. Windburn or sunburn I have yet to decide but none the less it feels good. Summertime vacation good. Normal. Almost normal…
Seagulls squawk in the near distance. Coffee is brewing while my eyes navigate the vast ocean view. The day isn’t decided because the day hasn’t yet decided. An early morning haze stubbornly refuses to burn off. Glimpses of transient sunlight seem only to appear on the white patio fence just outside the window. Wishing the sun would make its presence known today as I continue my quest to find the light in our world right now.
Early dawn fishing boats dot the water in surprising numbers but will soon vanish from view and their presence will become unconfirmed. The ocean is particularly soothing this early hour with its rhythmic sound supplying me with some mental calmness which seems in short supply these days. Tides constantly and simultaneously issuing change and renewal. Mystical and magical. Noticeably the ocean levels are rising as the cliffs erode. Appearances can be deceiving…change is decidedly underway.
Hopes for a final day at the beach are quickly fleeting as sheets of rain appear off on the horizon. Once upon a Cape Cod time a rainy day would be filled with shopping opportunities. Who doesn’t need something made of seashells or an updated Cape tee shirt? Handmade silver earrings? A gallery featuring local artists surely would provide endless hours of pleasurable viewing. Going out for ice cream is a Cape Cod must except now it feels more like a contradiction in terms while wearing a mask however necessary it is. Lifesaving it is…
Beach living is easy as it boasts a different pace but as we all seem a bit wary and weary the pace like the tide has changed yet again…
“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.”
Kahlil Gibran
I know and understand your experience … where are you staying. ? Enjoy