The water of the Salish Sea is so still,
it is difficult to determine its direction.
Only the scattered pieces of bark floating
effortlessly and the lone heron, gliding
a foot from the sea’s surface hunting for
its daily catch, give it away. The air smells
of fresh rain as my bare feet slow walk
a damp, pebbled path like a labyrinth, each
step planting a kiss on the earth. The orcas
stay hidden below the surface while the sea
lions raise their silky grayish heads in total
synchronicity. I stand on the wood planked
balcony embracing a morning coffee, clasping
the cup between hands that desperately desire
to clap for what the sea and heron have gifted.
This was my second trip to Langley, WA and a weekend in The Inn at Langley. During my first morning walk beside the Salish Sea, I observed one heron hunting for her morning catch, as well as scattered bark floating away like my thoughts.
