healingwords: poetry for the soul

Standing on the rocks in Xabia bay an unexpected wave crashed and splashed, the spray misting the air and tingling on my face. I was both shocked and exhilerated, waiting for the next 10 waves to build and break before another big one curled and I caught the image of the spray rising.  © 2020 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

This is a photograph of the sandstone rocky coast at Xabia on the Costa Blanca. The shore shows the hand of man where years of block cutting of sandstone for building has left rocks like lego bricks. Where the waves hit the shore the action of the sea has shaped the stone into more interesting shapes where the backwash streams through splashing foam on the sandy rock.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

I read today an article describing the benefits to mind and body of spending time near water, particularly the sea. Coincidentally I had planned to go to the beach after a period of ill health had kept me inside for a few weeks. Even just sitting by the shore, watching the waves breaking with their hypnotic rhythm was calming and I left the beach feeling refreshed and energised.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

In a time of political chaos that is causing continual worry as we face losing our European citizenship and rights of freedom of movement to live in peace in Spain, I felt the need to escape the endless news. I am so fortunate to live between mountains and sea and today I let the waves wash away the stress.  SALT SPRAY Take me to the shore where rocks cleft from marble veined cliffs, spilling into foaming sea like lumps of sugar in steaming tea. Take me to the light where star flare whites celestial sky, sea shimmering like liquid gold, flowing molten from the flames. Take me to the waves where the endless rise and crashing break of wind whipped surf mists upturned face with salt spray. Take me to the sea where ozone air clears a troubled mind, worries cleansed as surge smoothed pebbles trickle in the backwash.   © 2018 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.