My Trip to Jamaica

I enjoyed my vacation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The beach was my favorite. It is majestic and beautiful. I liked splashing in the water and digging in the sand. I liked the pool too. The waterslides are fun. I liked the food. I liked the steak and fresh fruit. I learned to be more peaceful swimming in the ocean. I still get nervous in the water sometimes. The vastness of the sea can overwhelm me. It makes me feel maybe I could get swallowed up by the sea. One day my parents lead me further out in the water. I was afraid but I am glad they did.  I discovered it was not so deep. I learned to try to take risks more.

 One day I went to Dunn’s River Falls. It was so awesome to experience it with all my senses. It was beautiful to see. I heard the trickling water. I felt the coolness of the water as I climbed up. I also felt good to meet a challenge. I am being braver and it makes me be happy. My courage was tested in Jamaica. I think I passed.

I am learning to let go of my fears. I am so much more at peace. Practically everyday in Jamaica I tried doing things I wouldn’t have courage to have tried before. I went kayaking twice. The first time I was anxious but the second time I was relaxed. I went on a glass bottom boat and saw coral, sponge, starfish, fish, and sea urchins. I tried snorkeling but I couldn’t get my mask on so mom let me swim off the boat. I felt peaceful trying.

I had the best time in the water. I also liked the shows. I saw a dancing show and a parade party. I am an experienced traveler now. I loved Jamaica.

Copyright 2016 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.

Ocean

By Philip

i watch the ocean.

a wonderfully small person am i.

people are small to the

vastness of the boastful sea.

pleading lies beneath my smile.

please don't pull me in too far.

powerful are the ocean tides. 

my strength lead astray in

a momentary panic as a

sudden rushing wave

knocks me to the sand.

i am at peace

when i feel mom watching me.

safe each time a spoken word

reminds me i am 

your son to love.

i mean to enjoy

my creator's ocean.

the awesome vastness.

amount of water infinitely

looking at me.

spanning the ocean

the sky.

talk cannot adequately

praise God's panorama.

listen to the passing wave.

it amounts to a travel

from more than a thousand miles.

each wave cadences to the rhythm

of a longing moon

alone in space.

it's pain drawing

a beautiful peaceful

montage to notice.

meaning is more fostered

in deep exploration.

i appreciate the ocean's

openness.

i am passing time

like a wave.

my life

perfected in longing.

 Philip swimming on our vacation to Dominican Republic Feb. 2015