The Mermaid Lounge

Rain drips from the umbrella I'm sitting under and the slick wood of the Beloved Back Deck is wet. The trees are crying as birds rest in their branches without moving. Four sets of wind chimes hang limply keeping their songs to themselves. The air is still, sticky with salt, and though its High Tide, the waves lightly kiss the beach. In the predawn darkness I stood in the hot water of the outdoor shower searching for stars. Blue and purple clouds covered them all. My neighbor is away so no one is screaming "Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty" and I offer a prayer of thanks. I linger in the shower with the door still open. No one is out. No one can see. On the door of the outdoor shower is a sign that Conner gave me years ago. It's a bright yellow carving of a sun wearing shades holding another sign that reads: "Showers -$1. To watch -$2. With me -$5." Strolling back into a sleeping house, Goddess waits on the landing of the staircase. She is always the first to wish me a good morning. I rub her belly and she follows me inside. Hanging my towel I watch Sarah sleep and offer a deeper prayer of thanksgiving. Winston, the little gay dog, prances around like he's on meth. I throw the dogs treats while I throw on clothes and peddle to The Breakfast Club which is already full of bright lights and energy. I'm hugged by several people and pitched by several others while I sip coffee. The Community of Non-believers and believers has formed a congregation. Starting every day with friends is special. Sometimes we have long thoughtful talks and sometimes we're quiet ... simply being there with one another. As the restaurant opens, I leave and whisper my third prayer of thanks of the morning. On a clear day, the sun just be rising. Returning home I bring the dogs outside with me. Most mornings I have a couple of hours to myself here. Just me and Fran's thousand shades of green, a Palm Tree with an oyster face, coconut bra and grass skirt, and God. We don't talk much but all acknowledge each others presence. I love this time. And I love this place. There are signs that I've hung. "Umbrella Drinks Served Here" ... "Clothing Optional Beyond this point" ... "Spring Break" ... Whatever!" ... and "The Mermaid Lounge ... Cast away your troubles and have a Mari-i-time." And I do. The rest of the world still sleeps or is getting ready for work, at the Gym and extending the night into a new day. I sit quietly noticing everything surrounding me. People I love float in and out of my mind. Turning the computer on, the music begins ... "I'm skipping over the ocean like stone." It makes me smile. Everybody used to talk about me. They don't much anymore. I don't care. It's always peaceful and quiet in The Mermaid Lounge. Squirrels begin to violently dance in the Palm Trees. The rain continues to drip from the umbrella I sit under. My day has begun.