Finding Myself by the Sea

by Sarah Torres

Small hands reaching for flashes of orange and blue. A metropolis of crustaceans darting around. Equatorial sun beating down on mother and daughter. Her figure providing the child shade while her shoulders become rose-colored and warm.

Sand in our scalps and dirt under our nails. Castles made for kings and adventures with no end. We throw our bodies into the churning sea until we are left exhausted, seeking refuge in our sun soaked towels

Low tide under a crescent moon. In the darkness, the shore has no end. We sit under the stars and listen to the lapping of water with our eyes closed and hands on our hearts, breathing with the current. In complete silence, this is the closest I have ever felt to my father.

Sitting on rocks, watching the water inch closer to our feet. Together, we take off our clothing and walk into the inky sea. There is a full moon. Is this what Aphrodite felt? I see nothing but your face and the small waves surrounding our bodies. I am terrified. I am free. Our laughter echoes across the moonlit beach. We are the only people on Earth.

Your fingers tracing shapeless designs into my back to lull me to sleep. Your voice whispering words to subdue my anxious mind.The heat of your body on the small of my back. Waves crashing outside our window. I fall sleep to murmurs from a machine that recreate this somniferous moment every night.

Children running recklessly with liquid gold covering their hands and mouths. Some are swimming, most are observing – taking in the beauty of this expansive view. Hours pass and people keep their eyes on a sight that´s ever-changing and stays the same. One does not need much to live a peaceful life.