I wrote the poem below this morning as I gazed out across the open sea. What brought me true amazement was that later on in the day we noticed a gathering of people out on the edge of the pier. I got out my camera and attached the zoom lens and it was then that I noticed that they were dressed in the colors of mourning. Three wreaths of red, yellow and white roses sat at the end of the pier. There was a moment of silence and then the urn was opened for the sea to reclaim its contents once again. A bagpipe started playing amazing grace and the three wreaths were tossed one by one into sea. I photographed the entire ceremony and could not help but notice in my lens as the procession turned to walk back towards shore, that beneath the pier were a gathering of school children on a field trip. The scene was therefore etched indelibly in my mind forever. There was the bagpipe player, playing amazing grace, then the mourners, with the wreaths tossing amongst the waves behind them, and below on the sand of the beach…young children with a full life ahead of them. The scene had all of the elements of life come forth in full circle. I removed my hat and held it over my heart and then I said a prayer…not only for the recently departed, but for life and the celebration of life itself. To all…live in joy…celebrate peace…and live each day as if it were the last… and live it to the fullest in both love and happiness. Peace to you all.

Allen
Tybee Island, Ga.

10-12-2005