The Sand Castle

It was just another warm summer day spent swimming and playing at the beach. I remember sitting in the sand with a tin can digging trenches to the water’s edge and watching the foamy, saltwater slowly making its way into the moat around the castle I was building. Friends were close by but I was determined to create my own fortress and if need be, defend it against all invaders including sisters, brothers and all others. This was my domain where crabs came crawling and hidden under armored shells large and small – in brilliant shades of orange, red, blue, yellow and all the colors of Fall. Seagulls flew round about, squawking and talking in loud shouts,watching and waiting for the next morsel of free food to appear. (Even now, they fly high in my eyes and ears). And once the castle was fully in place along with my initials traced deep down into the soft white sands, I waited for the tide to rise and destroy my best laid plans. And while watching this seaside spectacle take place, the sun slowly went down on the oceans’ wind-swept face. Then mom and dad began gathering us kids together to say goodbye to my fortress by the sea and edge of land that will remain forever an indefatigable part of who I am.