Sometimes the Beach

Sometimes the Beach

 

by Scott C. Johnson

Morning Beach

         Sometimes the beach is quiet.  The morning sky brightens slowly from the east.    The air is cool, and smells fresh and salty.  Only the sounds of flying birds and the ocean tide can be heard.  Pigeons line the sandy walkways looking for food.  Tiny seashells rest in the cool beach sand.  Soon the sun will rise, bringing light to the leafy palm trees.

Mom gives us oatmeal and apple slices for breakfast.  I put on my cap and get ready to play!

[ART NOTES: These are early notes, that might be changed.  Show pelican flying over the sea.  Pigeons are more on side walk.than the sand.  Maybe show one or two surfers off in the distance walking towards the ocean and one surfing.  Tell a story with the illustrations.  Child is either eating outside or near the beach in a restaurant with big windows.]

Sunny Beach

 
          Sometimes the beach is sunny!  Soft clouds glide through the bright blue sky.  The ocean sparkles in the sun.  Light waves splash against the seashore, washing the sand to and fro.  Dry sand is warm and cozy; wet sand squishes between my toes!  Palm trees shade us from the sun, and sometimes a gentle breeze brushes against my face.

Mom helps me put on my swimming gear and sun block so I can play in the ocean...barefoot!

[ART NOTES.  Show: People on the beach relaxing, having fun, playing volleyball, surfing, lieing on beach towels under umbrellas. They wear bathing suits, shorts, and sandals, sunhats, and sun glasses.]

Cloudy Beach

 
          Sometimes, the beach is cloudy.  The taste of salt fills the cool misty air. The bright sun hides in the thick white clouds, and sometimes it peeks out for a while.  Ocean waves crash up against the rocks.  Dry sand is cool now, wet sand is cold!  The soft wind rustles the palm tree leaves.  Seagulls glide gracefully through the air.

My shadow looks faded and hard to find.  "No swimming this time", says Mom, "we'll walk the pier today." 

I toss breadcrumbs to the seagulls.  They swoop down and gobble them up!

[ART NOTES: Show: People out walking down the pier. riding bikes and skateboards. They wear light jackets and tennis shoes, sweats and caps.]

Stormy Beach

 
          Sometimes the beach is stormy! Dark grey clouds cover the sky. The sound of thunder fills the air. The palm trees bend in the rushing wind. Raindrops fall from the clouds above and waves crash hard against the shore. All the sand is wet now.

Mom says the storm helps the plants to grow.  It also cleans the air so it is cool and fresh.  I look out the window and watch the rain pour.  We will have to wait until the storm ends to play at the beach again.

[ART NOTES: Show: People staying home.  Only a few go to the beach, like the weatherman on television. He wears a yellow raincoat, with a hood.  Raindrops on/along the window with the child looking out.]

Sunset Beach

 
          Sometimes the beach is dreamy.  The bright blue sky is filled with color: orange, pink, red, yellow, and purple!  The sun sinks slowly in the west. Long shadows extend from the leafy palm trees. My shadow is taller than me! 

A few boats sail distant on the ocean.  The tide is coming in.  Everything seems to slow down now.  It is dreamy.

I toss a beach ball far into the ocean.  And the waves push it right back to me.  I am playing catch with the sea!

[ART NOTES:  Show:  People walk hand in hand along the beach, others roasting marshmellows on campfires and singing songs. They wear shorts, sandals, and Hawaiian shirts. Some people wear light jackets.]

Moonlit Beach

          Sometimes the beach is starry.  The bright white moon hangs high above the ocean.  The air is cool and a crisp breeze comes and goes.  Tiny stars twinkle above the tall dark palm trees. Moonlight dances on the distant waves.  Bright lights shine from the amphitheater, where a band is playing in concert. 

Mom brings us blankets and hot cocoa to keep us warm.  We snuggle close, and enjoy the tunes of the night.

I love my times at the beach.  I want to stay all the time. But now Mom says we must go home, and wave the beach goodbye.

[ART NOTES:  Show: People clap their hands and tap their feet. Some sway back and forth. They wear jackets and long pants, some have long sleeves and caps. The musicians smile with joy as they entertain the crowd. Show a few fireworks.]