Chasing Seagulls

Chasing Seagulls... Ryan taught me how. We'd go to the beach and I'd watch as his gaze found focus, and fell on the huddles of seagulls scattered across the sand - and off he'd go, lumbering towards them with his awkward gait. Then, as he sensed the moment about to happen, he would stop. Still. And gaze up in awe as the birds erupted into the sky, a frenzied flurry of feathers and ear piercing cries. He'd throw back his head and laugh with soulful delight, and then he'd be running again, chasing after them, calling out to them.

And so when I'm sad, I chase seagulls... and as I run towards them, scattering them among the clouds as they shriek indignantly, I throw back my head and laugh with soulful delight. And I feel Ryan alive inside me.