An Ocean Respite

Downtime, breathing space,
a change of pace – this was
reason enough for the short
trip to the ocean at Southampton.

Benches awaited us in the
sand. We sat, watched and
waited for each wave to
roll in from the distance.

Then up, up and over with
a crash along the beach.
Sounds of gulls in the sky,
boats, fisherman. Cares

floated away and into
the ocean. Again and again.
Then still our souls. Breathing
steady again. A sandpiper

walked past. The ocean accepted
our prayers, swept them away
leaving smooth pebbles with
each new wave. Savoring

the sights, sounds and
colors, we have replaced
cross words with smiles.
This respite has renewed us.