Sunsets in the Swimming Pool

[dotinthesky]

I swim most evenings, just as the sun is setting behind our mountain. I climb to the pool near our chalets with my iPhone (for the music), a towel and a cup of chlorine to mix with the water after I've soaked enough.

A few days ago, hundreds of vultures flew over me and circled some distant hill. Did you know vultures like to fly in pairs?

There was the roar of thunder from the mountains across the valley on that same day, the sky grey as lead, but the rain never reached me.

The largest rainbow I ever saw crossed the sky, just above a suspicious-looking cloud.

As usual, when I'm done with the pool, I turn on its motor and leave it running for a few hours, to properly mix the chlorine. It's dark by the time I have to return and turn it off. I take my trusty flashlight and keep an eye out for snakes in the path.

At the top of the hill, I turn off the flashlight and take a minute to stare at the starry sky and the city's lights. And I ask myself how long will I have to stay.

Comments

[androktone.livejournal.com]

it's so beautiful - the hills, the depth of the sky. It must be much less polluted than Blighty :)

Hundreds of vultures - is that a common sight there? Or was it a sign of something dead, like in the westerns?

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

Thank you, it is indeed very beautiful, and the air is so clean - you sleep like a stone.

Vultures are a common occurence but very rarely in that quantity!

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

And yes, something had died! Cattle, pigs, who knows...

[chantal mcevoy (from livejournal.com)]

oh Oliver, so beautiful and poetic and sad all at the same time. I hope we get to come visit you before you leave. I would love to spend time floating in that pool with you!

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

It would be lovely if you guys could visit! :-)

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

It would be lovely if you guys could visit! Especially if K. was here too.

[rockingthemike.livejournal.com]

beautifully written. it honestly feels like i was there with you.

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[wink-martindale.livejournal.com]

Beautiful Ollie. I think you need a hug. xo
Now about that suspicious cloud... Tell us a local UFO story!

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

Thanks Wink... I'll share tells of UFOs and Poltergeists soon!

[idioticpoet.livejournal.com]

Maybe, even UFO's possessed by poltergeists! How rad would that be?

Also, great slice o' life narrative....

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

Cheers Steve!