Bittersweet ocean

I like the sea. Really. Sitting on the cliffs, listening to the waves’ gently break or lying in shallow water, feeling them pushing me back and forth is one of the greatest pleasures to my life. Just as I enjoy diving through the mystic landscape under the tide. I get the chance to do all this probably once a year, or more seldom, and I start missing it every time it’s over. However, today I want to tell you about a different sea, another ocean, known to all of us.

Just unlike those known to you, it’s not each and every day that you are aware of this special kind of sea. But when you do, you will probably experience many facettes of its attitudes towards you.

This sea, you can sail. Like a captain on a giant ship, standing on its bow, holding course and being in decision and responsibility. When the sun is shining and the winds are blowing, you will quickly get forward and enjoy your journey.

But then, all of a sudden, the sky might get dark with clouds, and the soft streak of air turns harsh and makes the surface lively. Troubles might arise, and your galley, which formerly looked so impressive and indestructible could soon turn to a vessel with a destiny bound to the mood of wind and water.

Even worse, a thunderstorm might break it apart, leaving you as a playball awash, pedaling for your heart and soul. Once and then it will suck you in at the end of the struggle, when exhaustion has befallen your limbs and rendered you broken.

Still, you will never die in this sea. Once pulled under water, with nothing than panic in your head, you will realize how your view clears up as you sink deeper and deeper, and that it is not air you need to make the return. This ocean will reward you with insight when you’re at the state of total hopelesness and fear. It will be a guiding light for you, and bring you back up again. Breaching the surface, the storm will have settled, slowly opening the sky for a brand new day of sunshine.

And as this ocean is not mere a thief, but a giver and a taker, a borrower and lender, the silhouette of your ship will appear in the distance, telling you to continue your neverending travel. And with the silent promise of a new storm on a day yet to come, you will set sail once more and still not be prepared to face it when it hits.

But you will feel stronger everytime you leave the depths, enlightened, to find the bittersweet ocean of melancholia calm again.