Sunday 3 March 2019

Currents

I came from the south today, drifting along the invisible ocean of air that feeds this place, that gives it life. I came up to push out my colleagues from the north, who have kept their grasp for many months on this place. I convinced them it was time for change, and so I took over.

I began my day gently enough, meandering down a country river, slowly, taking in all the beauty that is the earth. I absorbed the water and the land, the plant life, and wildlife, and the people who call this place home. Slowly I drifted down the river, darting here and there to take a closer look at the landscape I haven't seen in so long, this place of beauty and serenity. And now that I'm back, I can make it what it was so long ago, before my cousins from the north took grasp. Drifting down to the water, back out to the shoreline, then across the fields, over houses and shops, I took it all in again. I was home.


There was so much to see. I crossed the waters of the river it rippled in my wake, creating what appeared to be a current, endless concentric ripples of water crossed to both shores as I passed, the river was alive again. As I passed trees the leaves waved as if to say hello old friend, at least those that were left after the long cold months since my last visit. So many more then, many still strewn about the ground where they fell, and as I passed they came to life, darting up from the ground that had become their home for the long cold. They would never see the trees again, but still, they moved as I passed as if in anticipation of something grand, or, simply showing their reluctance to pass the torch to this season's crop of beauty. Their duty done.


A flock of geese passed by me, their wings opened as if to catch me in their feathers. They knew who was there to keep them aloft, to keep them alive, and help them to their destination, somewhere along the meandering streams. The beauty of the birds was only outshone by their grace, silent and still, they took my hand eagerly, and I knew that my warmth was a welcome feeling to them. They seemed to enjoy my helping hand as they soared over the fields and houses for what seemed like and eternity. It was good to be welcomed back.


More trees, more fields, more waters, this time vast expanses in the distance, it seemed like a good place to wander.


Across the bay were small sailboats, eager to take advantage of the changing weather. Hearty people were aboard, as it was still quite brisk and not quite the season, but they were up to the challenge of the new birth, and took full advantage of my presence. I came across their sails one by one, each sail billowing forth and propelling the craft forward. The crew on these small ships revelled in my presence as well, smiling and laughing, it was what they looked forward to all the cold months, a chance at rebirth, a chance at living again. And the boats lived, I'm happy to have helped.


I myself sailed across the waters of the lake, the water churned and rippled in my wake, moving swiftly as I gained speed. The water rose and fell with my passing, moving in whatever direction suited the currents, eventually crashing onto the shores lined with homes and small beaches, and a few breakwaters. A marina in the distance caught my attention, without a care I headed over, to see other boats, many still tied down from the winter, but some preparing to venture out into the expanse, adventure in their hearts. As I passed the water between the boats rippled and moved them about in their berths, rocking not with the cold harshness of my cousin from the north, but with the warm inviting sense of anticipation, you see, I'm the one people let touch their faces. I'm the one who brings happiness.


In the distance clouds began to form. Curious, I moved toward them. As I closed on the clouds, I moved slightly faster. As I passed people on the streets below some had to catch their hats, much to my amusement. Leaves, paper and various assorted small things moved up from the ground behind me, playing a sort of cat and mouse game with me, and of course those folks who were in the way. I caught up to the clouds a short time later, just as it began to rain, a spring rain. A warm rain. Nothing like that had been seen since the last time I visited, it was as if nature was saying hello old friend, nice to see you again.


The rain fell most of that afternoon, lightly, but briskly. It washed away the remaining shards of the harsh cold, the leftover ice patches, the random debris that always gets trapped by the snow. The rain provided a rebirth for the streets, the trees, the grass, and whatever else it touched. Warmed by me, it continued unabated through the day and into the night. I was happy to help it along. Together we made the city smile, warm spring showers moving just enough to acknowledge my assistance. Harmonious teamwork, helping the season along, and renewing life, all life, not just the trees and grass, but the smiles on children's faces as they stood in the warm rain proved we were there for everyone and everything.


Again it was time to move on. I parted ways with the clouds and again greeted the sun, who as always, warmed me. Still moving briskly as one does when happy, I made my presence known everywhere I went. I passed a flag hanging limp, and made it furl out, presenting it's majesty to the people. Those who noticed seemed to smile in approval. I passed children blowing bubbles, and was only to happy to oblige them, again I was greeted with smiles and adoration, as nothing shows thanks like a child's smile and laughter. I passed a balloon that had lost it's owner, and it followed me for quite a while, until it too ran out of air. I passed a kite in a park, and took it for a short journey into the clouds, only to release it back to it's owner, who had no intention of ever losing it anyway.


I passed out of the city and back into the countryside, over fields of fledgling green embracing the new season. Not large enough yet to answer my call, but soon. Back over the water, back over more boats, over animals and birds who seemed to simply stop and say hello, and enjoy what I had to offer them, again.


It is good to be home, to be the gentle breeze that caresses the life force of all living things, to be the strong wind that moves the sails on high seas, to be the friend you've longed to feel the presence of for so long!