On Saturday our walk was cut short, not having believed the weather report.
Sunday, bundled up in case the heavy blue violet clouds let go.
The scent of pine offers memories of forests miles away, all from the uninvited pine that blocks our view.
Walking the cliff path above the sea, today it is emerald, purple and ultramarine.
The silver whale that breaches the park, cleansed, leans back in gratitude. The roses bend heads as if in prayer, offerings of delicate petals.
Bougainvillea’s contribute brilliant reds. Every tree is flushed clean and each blossom has enhanced its scent.
The wind surfer on top the stairs wears bright blue boots, prepared.
The basketball court below is abandoned to the birds.
Catalina Island pulled dark clouds down around it like a cloak, silhouetted indigo against a purple sea.
The lifeguard tower’s flag flies green but only a group of hopeful lifeguards training brave the cold sea.
Along the beach plein air painters are capturing the radiance, regardless of weather, paying homage to one of their own, lost just the other day.
The cleansing breeze is a gift we’d nearly forgotten.
Susan Jacob, Laguna Beach
