On Tuesdays, Two Writing Teachers hosts the Slice of Life. Everyone is welcome to share writing and comment on others in this special community.
"Is that a seal?" Amy asked.
The three of us were sitting on the beach enjoying the inconsistent warmth of a late May afternoon. I swiveled my head toward the ocean, just in time to see the seal's head duck under the rolling waves.
Along the beach, distant dots of people continued with their conversations and castles, oblivious to the quiet creature lolling through the water along the strip of gentle sea that exists just before waves begin to break. Maybe the seal was curious about the human activity along the stretch of sand. Maybe the seal had a destination or a friend to meet. In any case, he or she surfaced again and again before disappearing into the deeper waters.
We don't often see seals along the Rhode Island shore, and I'm not thrilled to have them showing up since they are food for sharks.
However, in that moment, tucked into the weekend when we welcome summer, planning and preparing for all of its possibilities, we found fun watching the seal stroll the shore as if it also was welcoming summer along with us.
This is so lovely and poetic. I hope the seal doesn’t get eaten by Jaws! I want to frolic along the ocean like a seal.
ReplyDeleteYou've captured the scene so vividly: the late spring beach, the people lost in their own activities, and the seal surfacing and disappearing in the gentle waves. I didn't realize sharks came up to your location. (The colder New England waters are why we go to the beach in Maine.) It sounds like it was a delightful surprise to catch a glimpse of one strolling the shoreline, as if welcoming summer alongside you. Those unexpected natural encounters can make an ordinary afternoon feel extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate how your glimpse of the seals is accompanied by a variety of feelings, but mostly gave you a moment to pause and welcome summer, with all of possibilities- love that!
ReplyDeleteAnd my favorite line: ‘distant dots of people continued with their conversations and castles’ Beautifully written small moment.
This small moment captures the wonder of that first "weekend" of summer filled with the potential of magical moments and great adventures. I also saw a seal this weekend and my grandson is SURE they locked eyes!
ReplyDeleteYou made me chuckle here: We don't often see seals along the Rhode Island shore, and I'm not thrilled to have them showing up since they are food for sharks. I think that would keep me out of the water. I like your visual imagery of the distant dots. Perfect beach vibes!!
ReplyDeleteYou never know what’s lurking, bobbing, and enjoying the ocean along with you! We love spotting seals in Maine…we haven’t spotted any near us in CT! Glad you got to enjoy the beach! ❤️Jess
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