Monstrous mountains, mermaid dreams
Blue Sky Black Sheep Prompt
Last Days by Mary Oliver
That blue hue of the lake, river, stream, sea, ocean, it calls my name, endlessly.
When I was so very little, I mostly believed I was a mermaid. That maybe, if I squeezed my toes into the coarse sand, gripping tightly with each step, I’d be able to march my way down to the bottom of the pacific and find my way to belonging. I believed that somehow I’d be able to swallow such a big breath of air before submerging that it would carry me through the rest of my salty days.
Back then, I’d sit at the sea’s edge braiding seaweed necklaces and crowns, envisioning the wardrobe I’d need for my new life beneath the waves. I knew I’d be safe, there, with the current carrying me softly, water holding me close, seafoam soothing me from above.
I’m reminded of my mermaid dreams often in this strange new place. How sharp the mountains feel in my chest compared to the lull of an expansive lake or a laughing stream. Here, water sneaks its way beneath the bright green grass, keeping secret tunnels and what I imagine might be lush underground reservoirs.
I wondered, this week, as I skipped from babbling brook to luscious lake, whether those bodies of water beneath the surface might provide the heartiest calm. Somewhere the water can stroke my brow, where the earth can hold my hand. Somewhere to feel safe, at home, amidst the monstrous mountains above.
Love from Interlaken,
sbmc
