ESCAPE FROM THE DARK CLOUD

Over the last few days and hours I have felt that I am in a dark cloud rumbling with thunder. Like Joe Btfspik of the comic strip Li’l Abner years ago, by Joe Capp, I have felt followed by a storm cloud over my head.

What is this? As I told myself, and you, weeks ago, “It’s all in your mind”. I have been focused on the negative that seems to surround us, threatening to suffocate us.

So, I stand and look out on a wind swept Aransas Bay, lighted by a blazing sun reflecting off white breakers. I go out on the deck and feel the stiff breeze that disturbs the water. I go down the stairs and out to the water.

I sniff the salty air, feel it against my skin, listen to the wind rushing past my ears and crashing the breakers on the bulkhead. I feel the mist of the splashing water. I see mullet jump from the water, each seemingly attempting to out distance the other.

I seen brown pelicans, saved at the last minute by the ban on DDT, smoothly with little effort sailing the Southeast wind.

Gulls coast sailing in a reach along the front of the houses lining Shell Ridge, making the most of convenient up-drafts. Life is easily coasting along on the coast, unconcerned with what CNN or Fox News (oxymoron?) are presenting for us to worry about today.

I join in the dance of life. I feel my hands and feet relaxing. I didn’t know they were tense. My breathing is deep and regular, and suddenly I seem to awaken from an uncomfortable dream, and experience life once more.