Jewel

We danced together in the cooling air of the evening and then, slowly, I undressed you, gradually revealing your pale skin and kissing its soft smoothness until you were naked except for a single green jewel.

Heat

The heat has come to the shore and, even though sea breezes offer some relief, I have aternated between swimming in the sea, enjoying the cold water moving over my skin, and sitting in a shady spot; lost in thoughts that only the touch of a lover could completely resolve.

Unlonely

I never really remember feeling lonely, even here where I am often completely alone. I can easily become occupied in my thoughts - not in a brooding way - just content with my thoughts, plans and dreams. I suppose that you could say that I am a content person and its true. I count blessings and do not dwell on problems; instead I try to breezily pass them by.

I am sure that the contentment that I find with my own company is very much tied up with a childhood which would see me either sinking or swimming. I developed a self reliance that certainly saw me swimming; never sinking - only diving underwater from time to time, definitely in control.

So now you can find me walking along the beach, kicking pebbles, picking up seaglass and shells and lost in my thoughts. Even if I'm not visibly happy, the chances are that I am smiling inside.

* * * * * * *

Returning to this piece after a few hours I have two further thoughts. The first is the reflection that the nearest that I feel to being lonely is, ironically, when I am in a large group of strangers. This is only an occasional feeling and then only fleeting.

Secondly, even though not lonely, I do crave human warmth - the touch of a hand on my arm, fingers entwined - even briefly - with my own, sitting thigh pressed to thigh, the pressure of an embrace or even a fleeting kiss. I may be unlonely but I am also uncaressed and there are times when I walk along the beach and even the brisk wind and pounding waves do not carry this thought away from me.

Work

I am lucky in that I am able to work more or less where I want to and I consider myself doubly lucky that I can work here. I had an early start this morning, but at the same time, I was still lingering over my breakfast mug of tea; the one activity easing gently into the other.

When I'm not making progress with work I can take a walk, kicking pebbles and watching the clouds shift with the changing wind. I love the silence of the calmer days but I'm also happy to find a spot to sit, put my ipod on "shuffle" and close my eyes. I may look as if I'm daydreaming but I'm probably still working in my mind.

Stranded - A Metaphor

I walk between the land and the sea, sifting through the detritus of the strand, whether it is the work of nature or that which has been cast off by other people; I examine it all. As I walk, I reflect on my life and the path that has seen me wash up here on this shore.