assorted writing

It’s a dream to be out here, in the darkness lit only by the twinkling stars and the full moon. I lie here listening to the bullfrogs croaking and the crickets singing and think that this is what it must feel like to be in Heaven. I can smell the water as it laps up on the shore and the sound of the fish as they flop around. Heaven.

In the city I don’t get to see any of this. The sky is never clear enough for me to see the stars or the moon, and the sound of traffic drowns out the peaceful singing of the wildlife around us. This is why I enjoy just escaping. Running to the country, this lake, letting me be one with nature.

I turn to watch the water lapping at the banks and am disgusted to see the 4 styrofoam cups that have floated over from somewhere else. I get up and kneel at the side of the lake and pick out those offending cups. “Why must everyone trash the peaceful nature?” I ask myself. I know I won’t get an answer, so I stand and take the cups to the trash.

I sit again and dig my toes into the sand. A deer walks out of the brush and looks at me. She looks so majestic standing there. I wonder what it would be like to be her. To be able to live in nature. I want to live like she does. But what happens if our race ruins this wonderful place. I never want to leave, I don’t want to lose this paradise. I stand up and begin to wander, the deer is still standing where she was. She is watching me as I bend over and pick up the plastic bag that is caught on the branches. “It’s time to take action,” I think to myself.

I slide my feet back into my shoes and go to my truck. I have recycled garbage bags sitting in there. I pull one out and slide it in my back pocket and pull another one out to use. I walk back towards the beach and sigh when I see how much trash is strewn about. From beer bottles to pop cans. It is past time that someone takes action. I open my bag and start walking, picking up plastic, bottles, cans, and who knows what that was. I go to pull out a plastic ring pop holder and notice that something is pulling it away from me. I reach in to find the rest of the holder and something latches onto my finger. I pull my hand back and notice that the thing that bit me is still on my finger. It is a turtle, a young one but not a baby. He is caught in the rings of this dreadful trap. I gently pull my finger away from him and slowly try to work the plastic off of his shell. I have to cut this trap to release the turtle, so he can continue to live. Once he is set free, I cut the rest of the rings and put the plastic in the trash bag.

Nature is much too beautiful to allow this kind of pollution to lie on the beach, trapping and killing innocent animals. I continue picking up more trash, running my hands through the water and pulling out even more debris. I wonder how we can all be so careless. Looking around I see that the deer has followed me. Does she know I am doing something to help her? I hope so. Behind me I hear this wet sand swishing sound, like something is dragging something else. I look behind me and my free, young turtle is there. He’s following me as well.

Halfway down the beach I stop and sit to take a break. As I think about the beauty of this place, I feel something gently pushing against my back. Turning slowly, I notice the deer has come out of the woods and is touching me. She isn’t afraid of me. I reach behind me and she nudges against my hand. She is amazing, I begin to scratch her behind her ears and she nuzzles my hand. Looking down, feeling one hundred percent peaceful, I see my turtle. He is sitting by my leg and trying to climb up it. I reach down and he crawls into my hand. I now have two wild animals who seem to be thanking me for helping clean up their home.

I lay back, letting my hair mingle with the sand. I look at the deer and she is studying me. She flips her tail once and then runs away. As sad as I am to see her go, at least I know I did something good for her. I rub the turtles head, deep in thought. What more can I do in order to save this little piece of heaven. I close my eyes and just enjoy the accomplishments I have made today alone.

I guess I must have dozed off. When I opened my eyes I had two fawns lying next to me, and the deer was standing close by. I looked around for the turtle and saw him sliding through the sand. He isn’t alone though. There are bigger turtles behind him. I kind of feel like Snow White or Cinderella. Just by doing a simple thing, I have gained the trust of these majestic, wonderful animals.

This is Heaven. There is no question about it. The peaceful breeze, the moon and stars. The waves lapping at the bank. And these animals. What more can I do for them? I reach over and touch the fawn on my left revelling in the feel of its fur. It is so soft. The momma deer comes over and lays down next to me. She lays her head on my chest so I will pet her. At that same time, the turtle and his family have made it over as well. He is trying to crawl up on me, so I give him a little boost. He relaxes on me, and I know I did him a great service by saving him.

I must rest now. I have a whole other half of the beach to clean. I will not leave this slice of heaven until I have made it whole again. I need to keep doing this. It is appreciated by the animals who live here. Just look at how they trust me. Maybe I’m dreaming, but the weight of the deer’s head tells me otherwise. If I have a choice, I will name this piece of the beach “Heaven’s Door.” It is a fitting name.