Morning Show

The stage is set, the half light of dawn before the curtain opens. There is a slight sway of sea oats as a small wind moves them, half seen, in a vagrant sea breeze. There is the constant small slide of waves no more than a hand high sliding up the beach. The palms at the beach edge rustle and sigh to each other. Then all are quiet, an expectant audience, as the curtain begins to open.

An orange glow breaks through the sea mist. The shells on the beach and the windows of the beach homes take on a glint of anticipation, relishing the slow overture of day. The bubbling surf chuckles in appreciation. A huge and ragged orange globe lifts the mist in Herculean effort, as a morning squadron of pelicans skim the sea's skin for their morning meal. Far and silent on the horizon is a shrimp boat, making for sea.

The first sound is a pelican's splash and dive and the second is a sea gull's raucous cry. A deep breath brings the pungent tang of salt marsh and sea air, filling the nostrils. The opening movement of God's marvelous symphony has begun, an all-embracing harmony of the senses and feelings.

The sky, the clouds, the ocean are golden with nascent light; the sun is saffron, and radiant beams pierce the towering clouds through and through, washing the land and sea and all life with welcome and love.

God has just said "Good Morning."

Dedicated to Fr. Hugh Bromiley

©Phil Hodgkins 2003

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