To the Ocean

Anxious heart it is that wades thee--

Fears the dangers in thy depths,

Yet thy pungent soul pervades me--

Draws me hungry to thy breast.

Grant to me unfettered laughter--

Child-like eyes and prancing feet--

Hoary models flung asunder;

Tranquil joy is all I seek.

Power rumbles in thy shadow;

Blessings limpid doth bequeath--

Oh! Thy water is my meadow;

Feeds my spirit til replete.

--L.H.

I am completely in love with, and terrified of, the ocean. When I went to Florida last October with my roommate and close friend Brianna to stay with her family in Orlando, we drove to the coast for an afternoon at the beach, and though it wasn't the first time I had seen the ocean, I felt like I was viewing the water with new eyes. I cannot remember the last time I felt such complete and utter peace. I felt as though the salt water were seeping into my soul and washing away even the remotest shred of stress, worry, and pain. As I looked out at the horizon, and saw the endless waves and heard the roar and crashing of the breakers, I began to slightly comprehend the immense power of God. I am so small compared to the sea, and there are so many creatures (mainly sharks) that I am terrified of (even though they fascinate me as well), and yet our God created it all, and commands it all. I confess that I became like a little child. I dashed straight into the waves, and then back out again. I chased tiny sand pipers that skittered along like wind-up toys. I collected two large fistfuls of sea shells. I laughed and twirled and sang and skipped and giggled out loud. And I praised God for the amazing tranquility He gave me.