A Lesson in Impermanence

Provincetown MA

One day I was at the beach. From my chair, I watched the tide as it ebbed. The sea gulls were all on the sand bars – as if they were having a family meeting or taking in some R and R, all happily clustered together. Some were cawing, some laughing, the little ones purring. Soon the sand bar started to shrink as the tide was coming in.

At first the seagulls crowded together in the center becoming flustered. “Another eviction”, an elder grunted. Some spotted a bigger sand bar close by and jumped away. The sea was rushing in faster now so all of the sandbars were sinking. Oh no! A cacophony of squawking followed. The birds quickly flew away as the sun began to set. Soon the water formed ripples of glistening light under the low pink sun and the gulls and I were in awe of this radiance. So many returned squealing, gently landing to swim away peacefully. 

Dogs also love low tide. Provincetown people love dogs so the dogs bring their owners out at this time. There are many retrievers and other water loving canines here. They dash into the sea to catch the birds –  gliding along the sand bars and suddenly seem to be walking on water as the thin sand below them sinks – they swim out further and further making white foamy waves. The infallible sea gulls know that dogs cannot fly. The dogs return to shore only to repeat their energetic sprints into the sea, some in pursuit of tossed balls over and over again. They finally return to shore, realizing that the sifting sands will no longer support their easy return.    

The next day was warmer, I thought to myself, “I could be a sea gull,  well almost.” I waded barefoot in the soft sand – walking far away from shore, sinking into the actually warm sand and water for this time of year. I walked on and on, splashing, and singing in the shallow water, making my way from sand bar to sand bar. The seagulls here are used to this. They are friendly and are not disturbed by human feet surrounding them. They are generous to share their sand. I bet not with the dogs though.

So that is how I spent a late afternoon: on cloud nine, totally. I was elated to find my way in the salt water, salt air, salt skin. Sunshine. Bliss. Knowing that the tide will soon change.