Monday, February 13, 2012

Mag 104 -- floating



Just like this, she would call to the children before closing her eyes and putting her head back into the water.

They lay on their stomachs at the end of the pier and watched as their mother sank deeply into meditation while her legs slowly moved from beneath the water and floated to the top. Her arms spread out from her body and relaxed into position. Her fingers moved in rhythm with the small ripples lapping toward the shore. When larger waves came, pushing the water toward her, the angles of her body surfed what came her way. It seemed that her hair tried to follow the waves as it fanned out as far as it could before bidding farewell to caressing splashes. 

Aren't you afraid? The water is so dark! (her young son) 
How do you do it; how do you stay up? (her tiny daughter)
Silence smiled. (no replies, so deep was her relaxation) 

The children thought her so beautiful, their mother. But she seemed to belong less to them when she bobbed in the water and they gazed down from the pier. It was as if each time she went out there to float they lost her a bit more, as if a drop more of her love stayed out there when she returned to them.

Toweling off, she would shake her head to release water from her ears and her hair would send sprays that dotted the dry planks of wood underfoot. The sparkle of moonlight in her eyes was what the children searched for then, for when they saw it they knew she was back with them.

Howdoyoustayupinthewatersodarkhowdoyoufloataren'tyouafraid? they asked again and again.

They waited for the same mysterious answer she always gave, the words that both assured and excited them:  
There is nothing to fear. Many are there to hold and protect me. 



Visit The Mag to read other Mag 104s inspired by the photo prompt above (image by Christophe Gilbert).

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19 comments:

Rob-bear said...

There is something so natural about being in water. That's where we start our lives. That's what makes up about 70 per cent of our bodies. When one learns to relax and befriend the water, it is a wonderful experience.

Delightful story, Lydia.

izzy said...

Thank you for the sparkle and optimism! Great job!

Anonymous said...

Love the imagery in this piece - very original response to the prompt

mythopolis said...

That is an incredible image. We need the artist's name here, I think....

Brian Miller said...

lydia...this is awesome...you really brought the prompt to life in a fresh way...i like that she keepa a bit of mystery she keeps...very well writ

ds said...

Lydia, this is a brilliant take on the prompt. I love the sparkle of moonlight and the release. This is a gorgeous, gorgeous piece. Thank you.

Doctor FTSE said...

This must surely be the most original idea derived from the prompt this week. Love the way the children ask childrens' questions about what Mom is doing.

I wondered about the word "bobbed"? I know that's what happens when we are floating, but the word strikes me as somehow too weak for the context and mood of this engaging Magpie. "Moved with the waves"? "Her fingers moved in time (in rhythm with) small ripples lapping etc."

All good wishes.

Anonymous said...

ohmygoodness I love this so much! oh that last line just gave me chills.

Kathe W. said...

Lydia- this is so beautiful.

Lydia said...

Doctor FTSE~ Thank you!!! As I wrote about her fingers moving I envisioned them looking as if playing a piano. You caught the same idea of rhythm, and gifted me with just the right words. I appreciate your comment and editing critique very much!

Wander said...

I have to Agree with Brian, and Dr. this was a very well made piece of work! Thank you...

Wander

Misterio Vida said...

the pic is so scary.... it reminds me of Andromeda... :P

i wish i could write such beatufil descriptions of any picture...

Lydia said...

Rob-bear~ Thank you for the perfect reminder of our water composition. It is something that always stops me in my tracks, one of those mind-boggling truths.

izzy~ Why, it was my pleasure!

jane.healy~ Thank you!

mythopolis~ I hope someone knows. When Tess posted this as her prompt over at The Mag she noted that she hoped to credit the artist, and asked anyone who knows to please inform her.

Brian~ Wow, thank you for your comment!

ds~ Oh, your comment made me happy!

Amber Lee~ Thank you, and I hope you and your husband have a special Valentine's Day!

Kathe W~ Thank you so much.

Wander~ And thank you!

Muhammad Israr~ You are such a humble person. Your writing is wonderful and you have helped me to see and learn about a culture in such delightful and personal ways with your amazing descriptions.

Deborah said...

Beautifully written Lydia, you're one talented lady.

Helen said...

Splendid, perfectly splendid!!

zongrik said...

well constructed piece

haunting suppleness

Lydia said...

Deborah~ You honor me with your comment. :)

Catfish Tales~ Wow, you really felt the scene and with your comment you made it richer. Thank you so much.

Helen~ I am so pleased you liked!

zongrik~ Many thanks.

Tess Kincaid said...

Beautiful...this reminds me so much of the mother of one of my good childhood friends...

Lydia said...

Tess~ Wow, that is really fascinating! There are parts of my own mother in this woman too. :)

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