The sun beat down, feeling like steam rising from a boiling pot of water. The rotting seaweed emitted a rancid odor, and the crashing of the waves sounded like the roar of a frenzied crowd. When the waves collided with the shore, white foam appeared like the froth oozing from the jaws of a rabid dog. The grainy, coarse sand swallowed feet, and the gulls shrieked their war cries. Gusts of wind tried to steal the towels and umbrellas scattered on the sand. The beach is a terrifying, life-snatching nightmare.
The sun shone, feeling like a warm hug, and reflected crystals off the blue sea. The healthful salty air could be smelled for miles away. The crashing waves sounded like an exhilarated crowd, eager to be entertained. When the waves collided with the shore, white foam appeared, like frothy, beaten egg whites. The warm, fine sand enveloped feet and toy shovels, and the seagulls harmonized with each other. The wind created opportunities for “wind-blown hair” pictures by the ocean. The beach is a magnificent, revitalizing oasis.
As in life, everything has a positive and negative side; the beach is one of the best examples. When some people think of the beach, they imagine people drowning, hurricanes destroying homes, deadly animals swimming under the surface of the waves. Others think of family vacations, breathtaking scenery, children laughing, and memorable moments. For these optimists, the beach is a place where stress is melted by the sun, fears are drowned by the sea, and worries are buried under the sand.
Thinking about life, or even the beach, in a hopeful way might seem ideal, but it is also important to be aware of the potential darkness. Even on bright days, venturing into dangerous waters, acting carelessly while reveling in life, and breaking imperative boundaries are never wise. One should remember those tempestuous days at the beach, the destruction beauty can cause, and err on the side of caution. So, too, when the beach is treacherous and the ocean is raging, do not forget the tranquil days of sun, sea and sand; hold on to the knowledge that chaos does not last forever.
Sima Goldman, a student in Mrs. Rochel Naiman’s Bais Yaakov English class, just completed ninth grade..
