Run

The beach gently sloped seaward.  It was almost flat with a long, continuous stretch of shoreline made of black sand that is so fine and soft as powder.  Surf comes and spreads thinly and evenly on the flat sand bottom.  As it recedes, it leaves a glistening mirror-like wet sand reflecting the blue skies.

I was running along the edge of the shoreline just a few feet off the highest tide mark where the sand is more compact.  But at times, the waves reach my feet and as it recedes, the loosening sand beneath felt strangely soft and funny.

From where I was, I can see the vast black sandy shore edged by towering coconut trees and lush greenery on my left eye, while the breaking waves and the spreading surf filled my right eye’s vision.  I was seeing two completely different worlds at the same time.

But as I moved amidst knee deep surf, all I see is the spreading white surf.  It was an overwhelming sight, almost surreal.  Then the waves recede.  But before this cycle is completed, another wave breaks and surf spreads out again.  My legs wobbled trying to keep balance as the waves pulled and pushed in several different directions.  The spreading surf, the wind, blue skies and the breaking waves.  Ah, life is beautiful, I thought to myself.

I ran again exaggerating my strides and lifting my knees.  Every time a foot hit water, it gets swayed by the rushing current and I have to go on running to keep my balance.  After a while, I chased the surf towards the edge of shore where I felt more wind and empty beach.  I ran back to where my eyes were filled with white foam, legs bracing against the rush of spreading surf and wave action, and nature’s peaceful chaos.