The Ocean Is Calling Me (Part 2)

It is the waiting that stirs the soul,

Anticipation of the unknown while seeking a goal,

There might not be peace with tomorrow’s sun,

But just moving in any direction is a battle won,

Sleep can be elusive while you wait,

For your thoughts continue as you ponder your fate.

There were road signs ahead warning traffic to slow and be prepared to stop.  Cones in the road caught his attention as the road narrowed. He continued slowly until a construction worker holding a stop sign stood in his way.  Caleb hated waiting behind other cars even though he knew they couldn’t proceed.  He was close enough to the ocean that he should be able to smell the salt in the air.  He had fought the impulse to see the ocean for a long time.  Now he was getting anxious to be back. 

A pickup came down the road escorting a dozen cars.  The pickup pulled over, waited for the cars to pass and then turned around.  The waiting cars fell in line behind the pickup and headed towards the ocean.

Caleb followed them two miles before they were through the construction zone and back on the two lane highway. He carefully stayed within the speed limit because police cars often were waiting to grab the impatient and speedy drivers. The road snaked over the mountain and through the woods before the land cleared along the sea coast. 

Even though he was anxious to see the ocean again, Caleb was already feeling the need for companionship.  Caleb wanted a woman to talk to, to listen to, and to hold close.  Oh, how he missed his wife! 

Everything in the flatlands reminded him of her.  All the little things that at the time seemed humorous, now took on new significance.  She had always seemed surprised at seeing dew on roses, the first snowflakes, summer storms as they rumbled in, and wheat fields waving. And always she stopped and admired newborn animals with their protective mothers.

  Caleb knew she wanted children, lots of them, to love and to chase after.  She dreamed of teaching them her love of life, her respect for the earth.  There was so much she wanted to show them.  Right away she had wanted children but Caleb had balked.  “Not yet,” he insisted.  “Not until we get this farm up and running.”

How he regretted saying that.  His heart ached when he thought of her.  “There is nothing left but memories.  She’s gone and my life is over.”

But even as he thought of her, Caleb was ready to leave the memories behind. He wanted something to drink, something to drive her out of his mind, at least for tonight.

After a few miles the forest opened and a wide panorama of the ocean lay before him.  The ocean stretched from side to side and was breathtaking.  Out in the ocean several huge stone formations rose a few hundred feet into the air.  The waves pounded and splashed against these rocks before the waves regrouped and rushed to shore.

“Beautiful,” Caleb said softly.  “I’m like that. Life is always trying to destroy me.  I must be strong and stand like these rocks against the waves.  I must remember to return during a storm to see the waves crashing against these formations.  It must be spectacular.”

                     

Part 2, Going Camping

Going Camping, Trouble in Town

At six in the morning I strolled down Main Street,

Admiring the small shops, enjoying the sun’s heat,

I went into Roger’s, a café with customers waiting in line,

I was told by a waitress, “It’s always like this, rain or shine,”

Inside on a wall there was a sign bright and bold,

WEAR SHOES AND A SHIRT AND DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD,

A sudden thought whizzed around in my head,

“It doesn’t sound positive, it sounds negative instead,”

Another sign, “If you ain’t hungry, you’re wasting a place,

We only serve those who’re feeding their face!”

I was tempted to order the Sasquatch Special Plate,

But I was sure the special was meant to feed at least eight,

I ordered the smallest dish, called the Redwood Tree,

Aware that several people were casually watching me,

The waitress sashayed by, several times or more,

Then she stopped and said, “Before you go out that door,

There are three men in the corner with words to say,

And they look serious, they don’t have time to play,”

I was still feeling positive so I strolled over to see,

“Good morning, Sheriff, officers, you wanted to see me?”

“We’ve been searching all morning for three of our friends,

We thought you might know just where we should begin,”

“I’m sorry, sir, I really don’t know where they went,

They came to greet me but little time was spent,”

They looked at me dubiously, “We’re watching you double,

You can’t come into this town and start causing trouble,”

“I’m on my way to the Prairie Creek campground,

As soon as my pickup is finished, I’m leaving town,”

“If our buddies don’t show up, we’ll be looking for you,

There’s a connection, even if you’re just passing through,”

I didn’t know what to say so I turned and walked out,

But before I got through the door I heard the sheriff shout,

“Remember, don’t go far, we’ll be watching you, Stranger,”

Something inside of me kept saying, “Danger, danger, danger,”

If I could get my pickup I would hurry and get on the road,

I didn’t want the sheriff and his deputies to add to my load,

The mechanic was still working, meticulous but slow,

“It won’t be done today, sometime in the morning though,”

What point was there to argue if the results would be the same?

A man entered the garage, “I don’t think I gave you my name,”

“I’m Nathan,” he said, “I drove you here late last night,”

Even without his hard hat he was a welcome sight,

“My wife and I would like to take you out to dine,

Then show you around our town, we won’t let you decline,”

He got into his pickup, waved, “I’ll be back at six,”

I found a motel, checked in, “I hope this isn’t a trick,”

When Nathan and his wife, Melissa, arrived, I was at my best,

“The food is delicious, the people great at The Logger’s Nest,

You’ll like the long benches that fit at each table,

We all crowd together and talk while we’re able,”

The conversation was lively, between Nathan and some guy,

While Melissa and I talked quietly, squeezed thigh to thigh,

She plied me with questions about my city life,

She wanted to know everything, why I didn’t have a wife,

Later they showed me what they liked about their town,

Stopping at bars to visit friends and throw a few drinks down,

 I became the designated driver as the night took its toll,

Water and sodas had been my fare, so I was left in control,

Finally I drove them home, determined to walk to the motel,

“No, no, no,” Melissa said. “I’m almost sober, as you can tell,

Nathan can put himself to bed, there’ll be no debate,”

I didn’t want to argue, I was tired, and it was late,

On the way Melissa slid to the middle of the seat,

Then closer, thigh against thigh, I could feel the heat,

She leaned her head against my shoulder and sighed,

“I can’t drive with you close like this,” I lied,

“Nathan neglects me and leaves me all alone,

Why don’t you stay a few days and your camping trip postpone?”

I got out quickly at the motel but I heard the other door slam,

“I’ve got to use the girl’s room,” she said, and I was in a jam,

“I’ll just be a minute or two, and then I’ll be on my way,”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting at the truck, so please don’t delay,”

Time passed slowly and Melissa never came out,

Maybe something happened, although I had some doubt,

She was in bed, the covers tucked up under her chin,

“I’m cold,” she whispered, “so hurry up and get in,”

I shook my head, “Melissa, I can’t betray Nathan’s trust,

You and Nathan are my friends, I won’t give in to lust,”

She looked at me as if I had arrived from deepest space,

“He’s drunk and asleep, you can have me and leave no trace,

I’ve been waiting all evening for you, don’t you want me too?”

She was beautiful, I was needy, both of those were true,

“I’m sorry, Melissa, I’ll wait in the pickup until you get dressed,”

That was not what she expected for she looked quite distressed,

I shut the door behind me but not before I heard breaking glass,

Finally silence, I was sure positives won’t let negativity surpass,

She stormed out, her hair disheveled, her blouse torn,

“You could have made this easy and fun, now you they’ll scorn,

When I made plans to be with you, I must have been dreaming,

Now get out of my truck before I start screaming,

I’ll tell Nathan you laughed when my blouse was torn,

I’ll make you wish you’d never been born,”

One day of vacation used on this camping trip,

Negativity is winning, I’m in its grip.

(Part 2)