YNYS LAS: STONE

Pure, white, smooth, innocence of sea
Stone swashed gently, wave upon wave
Memories of oceans past
Glistening in hand
Cool and calm.

I walk sure-footedly along the wooden boardwalk that winds between the golden, soft, sand dunes. Blue sea stretched ahead, just visible. To be here again after so long is amazing. Words fall short to describe the joy I feel. Ynys Las is a treasured memory for me and a destination of recovery. The bright sun shines high in the sky, its rays hot on my back. Tamara and I climb higher stopping to absorb the view, every last detail as perfect as I’d always remembered. Smooth sand stretched out for miles, edges the movement of the sea. Tall, green mountains lace the backdrop. I had dreamt for many years of returning. Those years when I was housebound, the beach was but a distant memory, an ache in my broken soul. Now here I am, having climbed through time to be here….

Shells lay scattered, layer upon layer
Stones naturally wild
Encompassing life.

I pick up this smooth white stone as I come out from the sea. Salt water bathes my body as waves fall over themselves running to shore. Splashing us, baby Thomos laughing.

Cleansing, washing, refreshing
Showering each day
Clears away past.

This stone now sits in my bathroom, essence of Ynys Las. Waves of possibilities reach me each time I see it. Knowing I can do this journey again now, staying with me until I travel again. Urging me forth…….

Juliette Llewellyn
13.08.07