A Dream of Longing

Pale sand filters between my toes. The sky dark with clouds rumbles with thunder and the wind sweeps the surf into a stinging spray. I stand still, calmly staring out into the waves. I can almost see the swell of water as the serpent rises from deep waters. It’s dark out line pulsing under the surface of the ocean. Waiting, watching, hoping for a chance to do its duty and keep me from the water. As always I have let myself believe that my approach of a different sea will not alert the snake. But it senses my longing, as a hound smells blood. I let the salty spray wet my face then turn and stride back inland. Knowing I will be forever kept from my home. The simple glimpse of the water was all I could ever hope for.