A Note from Zada Clark

A Note From My Journal”
by Zada Clark
Well, I am back from the horrible realm of seasickness {knock on wood}. It’s amazing how much everything improves once your body and mind feel good. The sun is shinning and we’re cruising along enroute to the Chesapeake Bay. Last night I had watch from 2000-0000 {8pm to midnight for you land folks}. The ocean was kind of eerie under the night sky, a misty blanket of fog spread over the mirror like sea. Standing by the bow I watched the ship slicing through the water creating foamy crests, which were tiny compared to the six feet of white water and spray we were experiencing earlier. Living on the sea, the ocean is both my enemy and my best friend. I love her, but she’s quite bipolar. One hour she’ll be moving and roaring, dotted with white water and surging with the most powerful force ever seen. She can calm down, become still and relaxed. This is when we get along the best. One of my favorite moments is bow watch. After heaving myself out of my bunk, bleary eyed and exhausted, it’s a relief to stand in one place and finally breathe. The ocean was finally all tucked in. A ripple would gently roll across, like a peaceful exhale of oxygen. There was no land last night as my eyes skimmed the horizon searching for the possible dangers of oncoming boats. Just miles and miles of sea, no end. The scene was undisturbed by neon lights and tall structures. I felt loneliness wash over me. Not a loneliness that makes you want to cry and be comforted by a friend. This loneliness carved an empty hole in my head that I couldn’t seem to fill with the noise of cars or sirens or loud hammering music because there weren’t any. The only sound was the whoosh of the wind against the forestay sail. It was just me and my new friend, the vast ocean. It was a silence that left me able to think to myself. Even though I had to stay alert. I was able to delve into my head. Picking apart and taking files out I hadn’t seen in quite some time. I love this moment when I’m alone, spending time with myself. As I look at Story, who’s on bow watch right now. I can make out her blank face. Even with all the hustle and bustle on deck, she has her back to it, head to the horizon. Spending time inside her head.
Zada Clarke