Nor Easterlies

Everyday it has taunted me. The smell of the sea and the glistening shimmers of the sun bouncing off the lightly crashing surf. Wave after wave glides across the warm sand as if to meet me, but as quickly as they arrive, they retreat back to the sea. Why shouldn't they? That is where they belong. I would very much like to join them on their way out to the open waters. I could submerge myself in the sea and I might escape the relentless Nor' Easterlies, the wind never ceases. It has been somewhat warm around here lately and I would be refreshed by a swim as well. But I knew better. Not far from here lives a giant block of ice contributing to the temperature of these waters. Yes, they look inviting but they are frigid. Cold. I miss the warm bath water of the Gulf of Mexico. I want to swim in the ocean! But I will not subject myself to freezing in the unforgiving cold of the South Pacific.

Today felt different. As if I had grown tiresome of my warm blooded nature keeping me from the water. I had already made up my mind before I was fully awake. Today I was going for a swim. Of course, not before breakfast. A banana would suffice. Might save me from cramping up too if that's not an old wives tale. I discarded the slightly browning peel and walked with certainty towards the horizon. At least the sun was out. There was no stopping me. Too long had I succumbed to the bondage of the beach and never took more than a few trifling steps into the water. Too long had it made a coward out of me. Today I was going for a swim. Before I knew it the water was up to my knees. Unmoved by the stinging cold I wandered out into the ocean. The waves slapping against my chest now. Then before me stood a wave slightly larger than the two in front of it. As if threatening to swallow me entirely in it's belly it continued to rise. A challenge from the sea. I moved toward the wave, determined to walk right through it. I carefully recalculate my plan after realizing it would sweep my upright body right off my feet and send me back to the beach in a moment's time. So I dove under it's crest. The chilling water seemed to crush my head! I didn't remain underwater for very long at all, but time slowed down enough for me to enjoy my adventure beneath the sea. I had done it.

I walked back to the beach with a new sense of accomplishment and there to greet me, not with a warm towel, but with a terrible cold wind, was my old friend the Nor' Easterlies...