
Sue Short
RIP TIDE
Updated: Aug 20, 2020
I lay alone on the sandy beach in Cornwall
It was a special place, full of memories
My beach towel felt soft and comforting
Protecting me from the gritty sand touching my skin
But it was too hot to sunbathe
The smooth shiny water seemed even more welcoming
I got up from my towel and walked towards the sea
I noticed the waves looked different from minutes before
Not the usual powerful waves that sometimes made entry into the sea difficult
Saltwater statements alternating at angles
But low and sinister moving head-on against the shore
As if they wanted to drive their way inland
I didn’t notice the flatter patches of water becalmed but containing great energy
As I swam I felt a strong power taking me further out to sea
I wasn’t in control of my swim anymore
Another force was in charge
Frightening and powerful
I was too far out to sea to dig my toes into the sand beneath
Thick sand and mud had joined me on my journey
Could I fight against the currents?
Then I remembered what Frank had once told me
Don’t try to swim against the current
Even strong young swimmers can’t do that
Swim parallel to the beach until you feel the force of the riptide currents has dissipated
It seemed as if Frank’s voice was calling out to me
Don’t fight the riptide
Then my feet touched the hard surface beneath
I walked out of the sea exhausted
But free to enjoy the remainder of that beautiful day