I feel peace as I walk to the edge of my world. The sun on my face, the wind in my hair, the smell of salty air, everything about this place calms me.

Winter is the best time of year to visit. Not a soul in sight, I can relax and be alone with my thoughts. A bird flies overhead, my spirit riding the breeze along with it. I smile as it disappears beyond the horizon. I’m content just to dream that I could follow. This is my sanctuary.

Out there, I’m a stranger, playing a part in a story that isn’t mine. There, I’m stuck in one place. But here, I am myself. At the brink of the other world, I can breathe and laugh and sing to my heart’s content. Here, I am home.

Waves upon the sand
Rolling up and down the shore
Flow out to the sea

Is there anything more peaceful than the sounds of the ocean in the morning? Where the warm earth meets the cool water, my feet stay buried under wet grains as my thoughts drift away over the waves like ships sailing out to explore unknown lands. My body, my mind, my heart, my spirit are one. Tranquility, curiosity, happiness, freedom.

Water clear and blue
And my dreams that flow within
Come and set me free

This piece was my entry for the Haibun Contest recently held by Writer’s Carnival. The rule was to write a poem about any subject as long as it was in the form of a haibun (a Japanese form of poetry that mixes prose and haiku), so I chose to write mine about the experience of visiting the beach in winter. With the contest now over and the winners already announced, I decided to share my piece here on my blog for others to read. Enjoy!

Special thanks to Writer’s Carnival for hosting the contest! It was a lot of fun!