Beach Scene

    We make our way to the beach just after the sun has set for the night. The darkening sky is a deep rich blue, slowly fading into black, with no moon in sight. Below it, the waves of the ocean shimmer iridescently as they slowly surge and crash before retreating from the beach floor. We step out onto the white powder sand of the beach. It gives way under our weight and leaves impressions behind for us to use as a guide on our way back. As we approach the calm beach waters, we can see a smattering of sandpipers who haven't yet nested for the night, chasing and retreating from the waves as they search for sand fleas at the water's edge.
    A slight breeze fills our senses with the heavy smell of salt as we revel in the quiet of the night. The only sound is that of the breaking of the waves, as everyone else has long vacated the beach for the comfort of their homes. Leaving it empty and with a sense of the forbidden. We step cautiously into the water, testing for temperature and ready to retreat from the cold. Yet, we are pleasantly surprised by a comfortably cool sensation that feels nice in contrast to the long hot days of summer. We dare to wade in a bit further, laughing at each other as we do. Once we are settled at a safe distance, close to the coast and not too deep, we lounge in the caressing waters. We speak softly, in hushed tones, as if afraid to disturb the night around us. There is a certain rush gained by swimming in the darkness when one cannot see beneath the water's surface. It is here as we swim in muted joy that we notice a strange glow emanating from the water from each move we make. Startled, yet amazed, we take to moving our arms and feet and the water sparkles a unique green with every new twist and turn of our limbs. The bioluminescence of algae makes each movement a dance of sparkling light that we playfully refer to as swimming in starlight.