Photograph by Highlander
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I hadn't expected it to feel like this. Many times I've floated out into the water at daybreak just like today. So why was today different?
Well, today is different because I'm leaving more behind. So many times in the past I've set sail out into this open water, looking forward with so much longing for the sea, looking forward to the many adventures that could await out over that water.
Today I look back. I feel the shore pulling at my heart more than before. I look within myself for the answers.
For so long I've loved the sea. I've gone out with no other desire in my heart, no other place I would rather be. I look toward the watery horizon and the rising sun. The air is crisp and touches my face, as it has so many times before. It is beautiful. Yet it has changed somehow and I am drawn back.
The birth of my daughter changed many things. It made me a father. It made my wife a mother. But that is just what happened on the surface. That is just what other people can see.
My friend comes up behind me and rests his hand on my shoulder with a smile. "Excited to get back out on the water again?" He said. I could hear the old excitement in his voice. The one we used to share.
I gave him a small smile, but I knew that after this last time on the water together, I was ready to do what my wife had suggested: stay ashore and watch my daughter grow up.
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4 comments:
The sun setting, the waters calm, after a long hard day at sea.
The gentle lapping of the water. Serenity of the song of the wind.
I gently manuever the ship through the harbor, and into it's dock.
Krazy, bedtime come on now out of the bath, lets get your jammies on. Awe MOM I was just tying up to the dock. Just 5 more minutes please?
My fishing boat has seen better days. Those repairs will have to wait until I bring in the next haul. I trust that she'll bring me home once again. We've weathered some tough storms together. My mate, Scott, will kid me about how I give more attention to my boat than my wife. Living with my Lizzie can be a constant storm on land. I love you Lizzie, but my boat wife doesn't nag too much.
That brother of mine! What does he know?
Comes into town all highfalutin and showing off all of his fancy electronic toys and sleek looking car. You'd think he was a superstar on tv the way this town is acting about him. The whole town's done lost their minds! Hmph! If they even had 'em to begin with.
Now, don't get me wrong, there has never been any real competition between John and I. We're just cut from different cloths, I guess. He preferred to run to the big city and become a hot-shot-whatever-he-does and I chose to stay right here and run the family boat.
I never did have much taste for wanting much out of life besides what I have... which I think is everything. My wife, my kids, a decent man's work and a roof over our head.
Well, some may say I'm simple but there's nothing like this moment right here. Ready for the first wakes out into the water just anticipating a big catch for the day.
Ahhh! There ain't no salt in the city like this!
I hadn't expected it to feel like this. Many times I've floated out into the water at daybreak just like today. So why was today different?
Well, today is different because I'm leaving more behind. So many times in the past I've set sail out into this open water, looking forward with so much longing for the sea, looking forward to the many adventures that could await out over that water.
Today I look back. I feel the shore pulling at my heart more than before. I look within myself for the answers.
For so long I've loved the sea. I've gone out with no other desire in my heart, no other place I would rather be. I look toward the watery horizon and the rising sun. The air is crisp and touches my face, as it has so many times before. It is beautiful. Yet it has changed somehow and I am drawn back.
The birth of my daughter changed many things. It made me a father. It made my wife a mother. But that is just what happened on the surface. That is just what other people can see.
My friend comes up behind me and rests his hand on my shoulder with a smile. "Excited to get back out on the water again?" He said. I could hear the old excitement in his voice. The one we used to share.
I gave him a small smile, but I knew that after this last time on the water together, I was ready to do what my wife had suggested: stay ashore and watch my daughter grow up.
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