... calm as they put on their boots and rain gear. Outside the water roughens. The massive anchor pulls from the sandy floor beneath. The boat sways violently as waves beat into the bow. The dry wood on the deck soaks up water, becoming slick. Fisherman frantically move about the boat, swearing and cussing ... at the irate sea. The wind blows harder and the waves mature into massive walls of water. Blackness covers the ... sky like a blanket. Yet, work continues The boat waits in position with lines ready. Beneath the sea fish sense danger and begin to jump. The unconstrained skiff allows ...

• Word Count: 371
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

... capturing the daily catch, with seagulls flying around waiting for an easy meal. Standing there you cannot help but hear the rolling wave's crash at the water's edge. As I walked along the shoreline of the beach looking for colorful sea glass and shark teeth, I observed canopies and tents set up a ... mile long on the beach. Families were gathered for a fun filled summer day. Children were building sand castles and splashing in the water, people young and old were lying on beach towels basking in the sun, couples were holding hands while walking along the shoreline taking in the beautifu...

• Word Count: 762
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... The moisture clings to my skin and hair. The wind blows my damp hair into my face, refreshing me with every gust. The salty smell of the ocean water and the dank seaweed hang in the air as if it were something I could touch. As I watch the red sun sink smoothly into the ocean, various ... shore plays a virtual symphony for the mind. In the sky above, a seagull is crying in a strident calling, but even this sound is not discordant. The salty water is cool, but not cold, as it swirls around my ankles. The shore is peppered with small, round stones that have been pounded smooth by the tide....

• Word Count: 618
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... The moisture clings to my skin and hair. The wind blows my damp hair into my face, refreshing me with every gust. The salty smell of the ocean water and the dank seaweed hang in the air as if it were something I could touch. As I watch the red sun sink smoothly into the ocean, various ... shore plays a virtual symphony for the mind. In the sky above, a seagull is crying in a strident calling, but even this sound is not discordant. The salty water is cool, but not cold, as it swirls around my ankles. The shore is peppered with small, round stones that have been pounded smooth by the tide....

• Word Count: 618
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... , the beach is the ultimate cure to all of my problems. While I am there, all of my obligations are suddenly erased. As I stroll along I can feel the soft smooth sand beneath my feet. I am taken in by the soothing atmosphere that encircles me. I close my eyes, letting myself absorb the blistering rays of the sun on a scorching summer day. I am comforted ... harsh rays of the blistering summer sun. I run as fast as my feet can carry me toward what my body sees as Utopia, a seemingly endless pool of crystal blue water. I dive into the crashing waves head first. The shock of the frigid wate...

• Word Count: 584
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... didn't stir even the smallest strand of hair on the bodies lining the ground. Flies buzzed through the air on their gossamer wings, feasting on the rotting smorgasbord that lay beneath them. The bomb had not reached our family, for my father had heard of the threat and we had prepared an accommodating shelter for him, my older sister, mother my ... us. We have been locked down in our shelter for about a month now, and we must stay here for about 3 years to save ourselves from radiation. We have enough fresh water, food, clothes, and even toys and games to survive quite comfortably the w...

• Word Count: 249
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

Towering trees surround me as I walk through the woods. I can smell the refreshing scent of the outdoors. The fragrance of fall is in the air. I can feel the gentle nip of the whispering wind upon my cheek. Forest sounds sing a comforting lullaby when I walk on the bed of leaves beneath me. I can hear the trickle of water as I draw near the stream. I can feel the sunshine kiss my face as it seeps through the fingers of the braches above. Occasionally, I"ll hear the quick movement of scampering animals in the brush. In a quick flash they have disappeared into the beautiful camouflage of their w...

• Word Count: 198
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School