The Dawn at the Harbor

I sat on the grassy hill, damp with morning dew. My father sat beside me, his arm draped over my shoulder. We sat silently, listening to the nearly inaudible murmur of the men working down at the harbor below us. The quiet chip of the crickets surround us, adding to the peaceful melody of early morning.

The sky lightens up with pale pinks, oranges, and blues. Two white, puffy clouds strolled by in the sky. Where the sky touches the sea in a graceful line the sun can be seen just peeking over the horizon, a yellow ball of energy awakening.

A cool sea breeze swirls around us, assaulting our noses with the bitter, salty scent of the ocean, yet feels so refreshing on our skin. A lonely seagull's cry is heard as it skims across the ocean's gleaming surface, catching an early breakfast before its fellow gulls awake.

Inhaling deeply, I can almost taste the sea salt tingling on my tongue. I bury my head in my father's shoulder, enjoying this quiet time I get to spend with him. His cologne is sweet with a musky old leather scent.

The voices from the harbor, the sea breeze brushing past me, and the feel of my father's warmth and the aroma of his cologne made me sleepy. My desire to watch the sun rise fully into the sky was the only thing keeping me awake. I wanted to watch the sky change from pink, to orange, to purple, then finally lighten to the clear blue shade of day. I wanted to watch the sun sweep away the shadows and stars. I wanted to watch the new day dawn right before my eyes, upon that grassy hill next to my father…