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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Yellow (11/12/09)
It's early morning, the dawn just breaking, and I'm on Wimbi beach with Jandy Janliya. The sky is rose, with streaks of gold, as the sun breaks into another day. The cold sand rubs against my bare feet as I wade through the shallows, the waves slipping through my toes. There are no big breakers here. The ripples just release their store and run quietly back, to return from where they came.

Jandy bounds along, her lithe body moving with studied grace, a shadow leaping through the ebbing water. She throws her head back with delight, and frolics as she splashes. I love to watch her. In her huge energy and strong movement, I feel stronger, and sense a renewed life coursing through my veins. She turns and looks at me. I call her, and she nuzzles my hand, her wet nose giving an affectionate push, before she thrusts forth again.

In the distance a yellow dog emerges from a cottage hugging the beach. He sniffs the sand and lifts his leg, then sprints in our direction. Jandy glances up and catches a glimpse of his yellow coat bounding towards her. She stands still, head cocked, her tail taut in anticipation. He comes closer, closer, and then cautiously stops, his muscles in tension as he awaits her response. She jumps closer, and then halts, her head caught in slow-motion, alert and attentive to his every move.

Thus they interact in a game of greeting. Finally, Jandy allows Yellow to sniff her rear end, and at that, the chase is on. Off she races, at full gallop down the long beach. Yellow is at her heels, and so she quickly changes direction, splashing through the shallow water, darting this way and that. On and on they run and play, their youthful energy a picture of unfettered abandon.

Eight years have passed since we first met Yellow, that rose-streaked morning on a golden beach. Illness has left its mark, and Jandy’s legs no longer run with oiled grace. But we still have our walks, a gentle stroll next to the sea. No more is it a game of "catch me if you can", but a quiet sniff to ascertain who else has been around.

Does Jandy remember her former glory, when she could outrun any canine competitor? Does the loss of strength and speed bring a plaintive wistfulness to her step?

We stop to rest after a short distance, sitting side by side on a patch of prickly grass. She arches her back in pleasure as I stroke her glossy coat. Does she sigh for the loss of what once was, or is she just happy in the moment, savoring the affection showered upon her?

I remember Yellow, and how Jandy could outrun him. I remember her fine-tuned body streaking over the sunlit sand. And I wince within as I watch her leg crumple, breaking the rhythm of her labored trot. Yet her eyes are shiny, mirrors of light. She is content, living in the moment.

I too have my "Yellow"s, friends and competitors from days long gone. The strength and energy of those days is but a distant memory. But am I like my Jandy, reveling in the joys of today? Have I come to a place of happy acceptance, enjoying the treasured memories with gratitude?

Yellow brought out the best in Jandy, stretching her to excel. But as life's circumstances have changed, she's moved on and adapted to limitations. Yellow is no longer in her thoughts, but rather the green of the grass, richly redolent with doggy smells, and the blue of the waves flicked with the salty breeze. Now in her blissful contentment, I find a new peace ... the yellows have mellowed, as the dawn of a new era breaks!
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Laura Manley
11/20/09
You drew me into this story as I love the beach! I think your story was very well written. The only thing that caused me to stop reading at one point was that you had used a phrase - something like "in the moment." In the next paragraph you use a very similar phrase. But other than that little picky thing, this was a great story.
Barbara Culler 
11/21/09
I, too, love the beach, and dogs. I love the way you described doggy behaviors! Neat story about appreciating where you are in your life at this time
Marie Fink
11/21/09
Dog lovers will enjoy this piece. The flow was excellent as the seasons of these two dog's lives passed before our eyes. Good work.
Elisha Beavers
11/26/09
I really liked this. In fact my mom owns a dog, named Yellow, and he used to run a lot. Now however, he's old and his legs aren't doing too good; yet he still walks a lot despite that, and loves my mom to death. The story was wonderful though, and speaking to my heart as not to look on sorrow at what once was but to revel in the present joy; it kind of reminds me of moving with my family and the changes there, and even my relationship with God. Great article!

God bless.