Another year ends in June, students gone, grades complete, room cleaned, the signatures done. And, of course, the talk of more reforms to come. I leave the world behind on my little sailboat and pay attention to the whispers of the wind. I hurt this time, though, and I wonder at my lack of excitement toward the summer. And I worry at the age and tiredness of the eyes in the mirror.

Night comes at sea with a soft breath and I am able to relax. In the distance there are lights that pass by slowly and fade. Ships and boats that have their own journeys to make. I watch them with my heart, comforted that I am not alone. At the moment I am following what little wind the sea has to offer. A dolphin rises to the surface beside me and blows a greeting. I cannot see him, but he is there and I am gladdened by his presence.

Night grows darker, and the wind dies. There will be a moon soon, and the wind will whisper again. I lean back and pretend for the moment that I can count the stars. I smile softly. In the distance the sky flashes yellow then orange, a second only, beyond my horizon. There is a storm ahead, I’m aware of this, but I am here now, and I did not come out this far to be safe.

Spring 2005, DQ13, Corporate education

Fall 2005 DQ12, Five paragraphs
Spring 2004, DQ11, The Kid

Winter 2004, DQ10, Fall

Summer 2003, DQ9, Eve

Spring 2003, DQ8, Code Blue by Matt Copeland

Winter 2002, DQ7, Wanted: Dark Quilters

Summer 2002, DQ6, Cascading

Winter 2001, DQ5, Too Deep

Autumn 2001, DQ4, Trench Master