I woke this morning and feeling a little tense. I couldn’t put my finger on any one thing but knew the best way to deal with it would be to get out into nature to clear my head and find some inspiration for the day.
I headed to the beach with towels and chair in hand. The day was bright, the sky a cloudless blue, and I knew the moment I set foot on the sand that I had made a good decision.
I felt the energy coming from the sea and with the sun on my shoulders it was like instant medicine for the soul. Nature is always the best remedy and I can usually find the answers I’m looking for, whether I am at the beach or just walking in the neighborhood.
After finding a good spot, I took a few minutes just to do a little people watching. I live in a resort town on the coast and the beachgoers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Some are on vacation, others are walking the beach for exercise, a few are doing yoga, a couple are cycling and others are just working on their tan. I then turned my attention to the beach birds. Noisy Seagulls, diving Pelicans and the fascinating Sandpiper. This small, busy bird is tireless. You will find him running across the sand constantly in search of food and giving the impression that he must never get wet under any circumstance!
It made me realize how similar we all are. We as humans go through the same motions day after day whether going to work or tending to our lives in general. Just like the Sandpiper, our existence depends on these repetitive rituals that are necessary. However, every now and again we should really just stop, take a breath and appreciate why we do these things. If we work, at least enjoy it. If we are on the run taking care of our families, remember to be thankful for the happiness they bring. If we are in school or college and are feeling the pressure of our studies or from our peers, we should take consolation in knowing this time in our life is temporary. A means to an end and it will pass quickly.
I found the little Sandpiper so intriguing I was inspired to write this poem.
The Sandpiper
The Sandpiper runs along the shore
Searching for insects and the odd crustacean
Concentrating hard on the task at hand
With such intent and dedication
Moving swiftly down the beach
He flirts with the water as it ebbs and flows
With seconds to spare he quickly escapes
His legs taking him wherever he goes
He is tentative and unsure
Of how it might feel
He errs on the side of caution
And avoids the thrill
Up and down the beach he goes
He repeats the ritual often
This is his life day after day
Nothing is forgotten
Fascinating to watch
I am enthralled with the scene
Will he do the same tomorrow?
And will he remember where he has been?
A Pelican and Seagull cause a commotion
They are squawking on the boat dock
The Gull loses interest
And rejoins his flock
Meanwhile the industrious Sandpiper
Is scurrying on the beach
To and from the water
Everything he goes for seemingly out of reach
The ceremony of his life
So fascinating to observe
His repetitive action, over and over
Never missing a curve
I watch the tireless efforts of this little bird
Rarely do you see him on his wing
His existence is staying close to the ground
Constantly searching for any little thing
I wonder does he walk home
To his little nest somewhere nearby
Thinking about tomorrow
And whether he should fly
Christine Bolton
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