for Sue Vincent’s #writephoto prompt.
I wrote, recorded and posted this piece twelve years ago. Nobody commented. So I thought I’d try again!
Let me read it to you …
I sense silence. Yet all around I hear the sounds of nature. The shingle crackles and grates under my feet, the rhythmic whoosh of the waves fills my ears and the shrieking of a hundred gulls gives a voice to the deserted shoreline.
Here I am alone. Yet my companion, this hidden secret beach, is here to wrap me in splendid seclusion. I am alone but I share my very being with the raw edge of nature.
Here I hear my own voice, though silent. Here my thoughts surround me. Here I am at one with myself yet enveloped by a greater force, one which allows me the freedom I crave whilst lifting me out of myself and cradling me in glorious isolation.
The beach is ever-changing. Some days filled with wrath, others tranquil and calm. Some days the sea is an enigmatic aqua, another as grey as granite. I look toward the horizon and see my life uncharted. What lies beyond? Who can tell?
But here I can be myself. Unquestioned, unchallenged. Here I can think, consider, compose.
Beautifully written, Keith. I love the solitude of walking a winter beach.
Me too, especially when the tide is way out. Thanks so much Sue.
It is always way out here…at least a day’s drive away…
Lovely 💕
Thanks so much Paula.
That is lovely Keith. Maybe all your original readers were mesmerized and unable to comment.
Why didn’t I think of that?!! Thanks Denise.
This is lovely writing and your voice adds to the emotion of the piece which seems especially relevant in today’s current Covid situation – ‘Yet my companion, this hidden secret beach, is here to wrap me in splendid seclusion.’ It’s how I feel some days.
Thanks so much Sally, I’m pleased it came across that way.
This is beautiful.
That’s kind of you Sadje, thank you.
You’re welcome.
Thoughtful and contemplative Keith – a nice change of pace. And good to put a voice to the face and writing after all this time!
A slight change of direction for me, but worth a punt! Thanks Iain.
I loved this Keith. Having a beach five minutes walk away is usually a blessing, but not at the moment. However, we’ve had some solitary days and seen a few dawns which have been wonderful.
I wander down the road to the beach most days – in fact I’ve just got back! I love it whatever the weather. Thanks Di.
Ours is great in the winter with no holidaymakers, but our end isn’t usually as busy anyway, but we are still keeping away at the moment.
One end of my beach is secluded with no footpath to reach it, and that’s where I like to climb over the rocks and spend time, all on my own!
How lovely. Ours is accessible from several directions, but if we time it right, we have it all to ourselves!
It’s beautiful Keith ! Loved it ..back then , may be readers fell short of words to let you know how good it is
Now I like that idea! Thank you so much
So poetic! Sounds like an idylic place to spend a few hours — especially with Covid lurking about!
It certainly is Christine! Thank you.
This is why i love the beach at sunrise.
…sunset too. It’s always special. Thanks, Mimi.
Wonderful Keith – your voice really suits the reading – loved hearing it … as too the words of the post – so coast like … then the dark of our mind as we ‘talk to ourselves’ … really great … excellent – thank you … Hilary
Wow, what a lovely comment Hilary! I’m so pleased it came across that way.
It is a wonderful reading and listening work (true expressions of the sea and shore) … very creative – loved it … take care – steamy today …
I really got the feel for your place Keith, and as always it’s better to hear the creater’s voice 💜
I’m pleased, thanks so much for your kind words.
It’s all true 💜
Really nice. Isolation enables a person to listen to their own thoughts while being inspired by the sounds of nature.
Absolutely so. Thanks for dropping by.
This touches a chord. One of your best pieces, Keith!
That’s really kind of you Reena, thank you.
Commenting can be so difficult, especially when a piece hits deep into the emotions as this one does and processing those emotional responses into a comment is impossible. Doing that to a reader is awesome writing, nice one.
I can’t thank you enough for your generous words. The reaction I’ve received to this piece has totally taken me by surprise, especially as it’s in a style of writing I don’t usually employ!
Respect, it takes guts to write out the box and go with it as a piece. Well done
I feel you putting into words what I have experienced, alone on a beach. Beautiful.
I’m pleased, thanks so much.
Beautiful, Keith… Shared on Twitter and Facebook.
That’s really king of you, thanks Bette.
Your reading is wonderful. The shoreline is a magic place. (K)
Indeed it is. Thanks so much for dropping by.
beautiful write and reflection!
Thanks so much for dropping by and your lovely comment.
my pleasure!
This held me spellbound, while carrying me to your shore.
I’m humbled.Thank you.