in which the fish celebrates the solstice

Did you know, that during the long nights of winter

the nocturnal tides are far greater than those which occur during the day?

And the tide on the night of the Winter solstice is 

the biggest one of all.

While I sleep, the sea creeps in and takes great uncontrolled bites out of the beach

while noone can see it.

If you walk here during the day, the sea will try and pull you in, suddenly, when you aren't expecting it.

I danced my own solstice ritual at the edge of the sea

looking into the relected light with my palms above my head

acknowledging the whales passing by unseen 

in their deep speckled silence.

I thanked the sea and the sky for all the wonder in the world,

the breath in my chest, 

my two hands together,

and how lovely it is

to be able to move in complete freedom

under the sea.

Later that day,

I swam in a race, all of us flying into the winter sea

shrieking .

The sea was wily and wicked

and tossed everyone about in a wild way

and right near the edge

stole the goggles right off my head.

Just like that.

I dont care, I said, I can be blind and still swim.

Now the days are longer, just a little, 

and my son has a new friend.

My daughter tidied the whole house yesterday while I worked,

and I counted twenty days

between myself and  far away shores.

That makes me very happy.

I am thinking about all this

while having my breakfast.

Twenty short days.

as always, looking out towards the horizon.