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.
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Me too, especially when the tide is way out. Thanks so much Sue.
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It is always way out here…at least a day’s drive away…
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Lovely 💕
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Thanks so much Paula.
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That is lovely Keith. Maybe all your original readers were mesmerized and unable to comment.
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Why didn’t I think of that?!! Thanks Denise.
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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.
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Thanks so much Sally, I’m pleased it came across that way.
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This is beautiful.
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That’s kind of you Sadje, thank you.
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You’re welcome.
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Thoughtful and contemplative Keith – a nice change of pace. And good to put a voice to the face and writing after all this time!
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A slight change of direction for me, but worth a punt! Thanks Iain.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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How lovely. Ours is accessible from several directions, but if we time it right, we have it all to ourselves!
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It’s beautiful Keith ! Loved it ..back then , may be readers fell short of words to let you know how good it is
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Now I like that idea! Thank you so much
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So poetic! Sounds like an idylic place to spend a few hours — especially with Covid lurking about!
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It certainly is Christine! Thank you.
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This is why i love the beach at sunrise.
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…sunset too. It’s always special. Thanks, Mimi.
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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
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Wow, what a lovely comment Hilary! I’m so pleased it came across that way.
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It is a wonderful reading and listening work (true expressions of the sea and shore) … very creative – loved it … take care – steamy today …
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I really got the feel for your place Keith, and as always it’s better to hear the creater’s voice 💜
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I’m pleased, thanks so much for your kind words.
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It’s all true 💜
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Really nice. Isolation enables a person to listen to their own thoughts while being inspired by the sounds of nature.
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Absolutely so. Thanks for dropping by.
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This touches a chord. One of your best pieces, Keith!
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That’s really kind of you Reena, thank you.
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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.
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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!
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Respect, it takes guts to write out the box and go with it as a piece. Well done
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I feel you putting into words what I have experienced, alone on a beach. Beautiful.
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I’m pleased, thanks so much.
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Beautiful, Keith… Shared on Twitter and Facebook.
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That’s really king of you, thanks Bette.
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Your reading is wonderful. The shoreline is a magic place. (K)
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Indeed it is. Thanks so much for dropping by.
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beautiful write and reflection!
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Thanks so much for dropping by and your lovely comment.
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my pleasure!
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This held me spellbound, while carrying me to your shore.
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I’m humbled.Thank you.
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