Manomet

I miss the days when the ocean licked my ankles and speckled sand bit my toes. I miss seaweed swimming through my legs and clinging to my bathing suit like a small child to her mother. I miss the current tugging on my water tube, enticing me to join the waves; those rippled, peaceful streaks of nature that ebb and flow everywhere, and nowhere through the sea. I miss the Ocean’s Whisper in my ears; confessions only audible to those who listen and a murky, salty underworld only visible to those who believe. I miss digging through the sand, looking for lost treasures, and picking through sun-dried seaweed to save as many starfish as I can. I miss the sun glinting on the water’s surface; glittering like gloss on fresh lips, begging to be kissed. I miss chasing my Chihuahua through the rocks, dipping her paws into the sea, and frolicking up and down the shore to wherever her nose leads her. I miss ham and cheese on wheat; the Ocean’s favorite lunch, which happens to give a whole new meaning to “sand-wich”. I miss hunting for the reflection of a beautiful woman beneath the sloshing waves, where Mother Nature waits patiently to be found. I miss falling off my boogey board and tumbling through the sand as five foot waves crash overhead. I miss the cool wind on my shoulders leaving sand on my skin and mystery in its passing. I miss carving my name G-A-B-B-Y into the wet sand along the shore and watching the tide sneak up to whisk it out to sea. I miss the fishy smell of low tide, when marine life leaves it scent for land life to explore. I miss the flaming sunshine on my forehead and beads of sweat sliding down my skin, and frigid water hugging my thighs because the truth is, I hate the heat. I miss the crispy pages of literature under my sandy fingers and the chilly aftertaste of cola. I miss the sand fleas at sunset, when the tide is low and warm tidal pools are left exposed and the pesky mosquitoes constantly beg for another bite. I miss watching the sky as the sun goes to rest, and the cornucopia of colors it leaves behind. I miss making sandy footprints with my family and my dogs in matching stride, but I know that when I come back next year when I return to Manomet beach my footprints will still be here, fresh beneath my feet.