Wahine Pool

Two women stand on a rock above me, surveying their domain. The ocean storms have scoured the sand from between two outcroppings, and now the water rushes in and out tidally. I am carefully navigating the new pool, unsure how strong the pull out to sea will be.

A wave surges in and they jump, astonishing me in the shallows. They laugh, and explain that it’s deeper below the jump rock. I investigate, and they’re right: it’s overhead, feet can’t touch the ocean floor.

They scramble up the mossy boulders, confident. I ponder awhile, then follow suit. I stand on the jump rock, surveying my domain. A wave surges in and I jump. No harm, no foul, only pure D joy. I’m alive! This planet is amazing! Everything is beautiful! I laugh out loud.

The wahines don’t return, but I jump for the rest of the afternoon, reminded once again that I never ever know what’s in store for me. And that’s okay.