By Lauren Keen - Year 10, East Otago High School
The surroundings lurch into focus.
Walls, loose, closing in. A gust of air caresses your face, gently, cool.
Outside is dull, as if the life and colour had been drained.
The mountains, painted in the distance are dark and ominous. Storm clouds roll in.
Below you, the beach is grey and tired as the vicious waves thrash it relentlessly.
The sand, disturbed from its gentle sleep is churned and rolled. Teal fades to murky brown.
In the distance you see the little caps adorning each rolling wave. Their sharp peaks fill the expanse of the bay, stretching out, taking over.
A single drop of rain rolls down your nose. The heavens open with a deafening roar.
The wind, fierce and strong, whips the water into your body. The liquid of life becomes bullets. You flinch in pain.
As you shelter beneath the nearest tree, the wind howls between the thrashing branches, as if death itself is breathing down your neck.
A chill creeps up your spine and goosebumps ripple on your flesh.
The sand between your bare toes is cold and partially damp, sticking to the soles of your feet.
You run, and there is sharp pain as the washed up twigs stab your exposed feet.
You run, to the shelter, to the safety.
You run. Away from this vicious day, away from the lifeless chaos.
The walls are aglow with natural light, filtering the early sun and bathing you with gentle warmth.
The air is still, calm.
The milky azure of the sky is only interrupted by the wispy clouds.
The mountains are touched by the pale light, emphasising every curve, pasting them in the horizon.
The sand glimmers with golden flecks, untouched by the mirror beyond.
The lake is icy blue, reflecting the sky above.
The underwater world, a reverse of ours, visible in the clear stillness.
Smooth glass pools the valley, filling it with shimmering light.
The sweet melody of a bell bird catches your attention. His friends join in the early morning choir.
The breeze is crisp, rejuvenating, a wake-up call from angels.
You reach the water's edge, your bare skin tingling as the gentle movement engulfs your toes in the electric cool.
You step forward, disturbing the perfection as you splash your way to the drop off.
Air catches in your chest as the sudden chill creeps up your spine. You dive.
Your face is soothed as the numbness engulfs your entire body.
It veins along your scalp, clearing your head of post-sleep grogginess.
The world is at peace down here, calm and still.
You break the surface, sweet air fills your nose, the sun warms your damp skin.
Returning to the beach is slow, quiet. The only sound is of your disturbed path.
The parched sand is attracted to the water on your body.
Everything you touch is attracted to its sweet presence.
The soft comfort of your towel encompassing your body.
You run to your friend as they marvel at this morning. You run to the excitement of the new day.
