by Bayla Maya

Created on: February 26, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

It was morning, and the aroma of a well brewed cup of coffee tickled my nostrils, as I arose out of bed. I shuffled my way through the clothing sprawled across the floor like leaves on a fall day. Looking out the window, I gazed upon a red fireball that was burning a hole through the haze. Quickly I slipped into my bathing suit, anxious to step upon the clean sand that was waiting outside my cottage door. Catching myself dreaming about how adventuress a day at the beach could be.

I stepped out the door onto the warm, soft, white sand that wrapped around my foot, and I wondered if the first impressions on the smooth beach for that day would be mine. While making this footprint I felt like an astronaut taking the first steps on a new planet. Slowly, I marched down towards the ocean, enjoying every ray of sunshine raining down upon my face. Looking down, not finding another print in the sand, only to see my lonely footprint sifting away in the wind. It was so peaceful, no humming of engines or honking of horns. There was just the ocean racing away from the sand, leaving little treasures that once contained life scattered all around me.

As the aqua blue ocean rolled away, I noticed white bubbly foam upon the waves. The waves seemed to make a soothing sound that almost lulled me into a deep sleep. Listening I heard the tune of a mermaid, or so I thought. When I closed my eyes I could almost vision her floating on the salty water before me. Then the wind whipped my hair in front of my face, and I awoke realizing the mermaid was only the breeze playing the

ocean waves like fingers gently rolling across ivory keys. I continued dancing further down the beach in search of more discoveries.
During my search my foot brushed the top of a tide pool, kicking some droplets into the air. The water had formed a perfect circle in the wet sand. Inside the pool, I spotted a crab doing a side step as it navigated through the rippling water. Little fish darted around the crab, making sure to stay clear of the claws, trying hard not to be a tasty treat for the day. Then a jellyfish came along opening its top like an umbrella, looking for a place to rest. Nearby I spotted a starfish creeping slowly along the bottom of the warm pool. It was enjoying the calm water not having to surf the waves. Taking in the tranquil moment I continued further down the beach.

I walked until I found the perfect spot to lie down, and soak in the sun. Before I closed my eyes, I spotted something white sailing above me. It was a seagull searching for food. Tears filled my eyes as I thought about the fate of the tiny creatures in the tide pool. I pulled my bag close to me, making long wavy trails in the sand. The bag fell opened, and my hand raced in grabbing for the bread. My fingers lay upon the succulent sandwich I packed. Immediately I pulled a piece off and threw it up in the air. A seagull came diving out of the sky, like a bomber plane. It grabbed the morsel of bread as quick as can be. Once again I lie down, and continue to rest on my soft colorful towel.

As I laid there with my eyes closed recapturing the events of the day, I felt like a super hero. I hoped that the little creatures in the tide pool had survived, and are still frolicking in the warm water along the shore. My adventures in the sand opened my eyes, and now I respect even the simple things in life.

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