Stormy Beach Toilet
The storm was getting worse. The darkest clouds I’ve seen propelled at, thrust over and tumbled past the mountain peaks, shoving the wind out front. I felt this mountain storm way before I saw it.
That power taking over sky space out in the wide open wilderness and weighed down by water making it too near the earth. The lake would be very dangerous soon. Ominous is the perfect word to describe the experience of this physical presence of the storm.
The lightning escaped, streaking here and there. The thunder claiming its place and power as it took over your ears not just with sound but vibration that might have plowed through your bones instead of just your ear canals.
As the first spiraling air skirted the water throwing sand, the wind like sandpaper, caressed my face. The slap felt cold and heartless. It swirled up around me gathering sand with it. I had to shield my eyes. And yet, I couldn’t get up and run off the beach like everyone else already had.
I felt the danger of the storm but not peril for my life. Alone I stood, transfixed. I turned around to observe what else was going on. I noticed the beautiful prestorm tumultuous grey blue water with white foam waves now slamming ashore.
The inspiring colors of the stormy grey sky with the water contrasted the tan beige beach. The sand still showing the many feet felt in it. The beach was completely deserted but for me.
Part of what I scanned was a toilet just sitting there, hanging out on the beach. Not just any toilet, but a beautifully crafted ornately designed and painted porcelain. It was masterfully colored but a regularly shaped toilet.
Other than puzzled at its presence and awe at its intricate artisticness, I had no other emotion about it. Looking more closely it was almost entirely covered with hand painted swirls and loops and paisleys and geometric patterns and frills.
Its colors were across the spectrum. Other than just well placed, it seemed not to have any rhythm or correlation. Upon further attention, I saw that it wasn’t a functioning toilet, but an artistic one apparently placed there to be interpreted at will.
Why I thought it would be functioning, I don’t know. It wasn’t in a room or building. It was just sitting in the sand. I felt surprised it was only for show and had no other purpose or substance.
I don’t know why or for how long I was on the beach. I never fully experienced that storm itself, I was just struck by it physically and internally. I really don’t have any other before or after, just the short video of me there noticing the toilet and its artistic embodiment. Wow, what a weird dream.
