Today I am posting a short piece I wrote in 2015, but want to emphasize that it is not autobiographical. I was not at “low tide” in 2015, and I am not now. However, I am concerned for those running on empty.

Low Tide
I leaned heavily on the railing, staring at the waves that were disappearing, like everything else in my life. My mind drifted aimlessly, emotionlessly sorting through random images. There was no rage as I replayed Jim’s treachery, no pain at my friend’s disloyalty, no anxiety from the lost job and unpaid rent. Nothing. My life was empty; I was empty.  That’s okay, I decided, the waves will wash everything away.

I had cleaned out the fridge. The hell with everything else, give them something to talk about when they poke through my stuff. Mechanically, I reached for the bag of scraps.
The gulls descended as soon as my cupped hands were visible, growing to a demanding cloud as I flung the scraps into the air. My lips curved into a slight smile, but it faded and my hands dropped back to the railing.

“Miss?   Miss!”
I jumped as I felt a hand touch my arm, but I did not turn.
“Miss, it’s against the law to feed the birds. Didn’t you see the sign?” asked a gruff voice.
I tossed another handful. “I’m not feeding the birds. I’m flinging my life away and they’re carrying it out to sea for me.”

“Miss? Are you okay?” The voice was kinder but insistent. “You can’t feed the birds!”

As I threw away the last of the scraps, a wing brushed my cheek. Inhaling in surprise, I was assaulted by the tang of the salt water and the screeching of the frantic birds.
The hand touched my arm again. “Ma’am, are you alright? Can I buy you a coffee?”

Turning, I saw a female officer about my height with a ticket book in hand.
I stepped away from the railing. “Yes, a coffee would be nice.”
Rose Burke, 2015

Many people are going through difficult times, and it is often invisible. We must not underestimate the impact that a kind word or a cup of coffee can have on a person’s day. It may be enough for them to see the blue sky and the next day