Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines a homonym as “two or more words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins.” This month my Exhale Mastermind Writing group took on the “Homonym Creative Inspiration” writing exercise, to write two stories based on the same word and see what happens.
Wave (v): to become moved or brandished to and fro
My bare feet sink into plush beige carpet. The tufts hug my heels, my arches, each toe. I am a statue cemented behind the front window. Air conditioning kicks on to combat the humidity and heat of July in Washington, D.C. Cool air caresses my bare arm. Goosebumps appear despite heat blooming on my cheeks.
My living room apartment’s third story window observes a quiet street with plenty of mature oak trees and perfectly parked parallel cars. My parents’ blue CRV backs out of the row house’s narrow driveway. Mom rolls down the window and vigorously waves her arm back and forth to say both goodbye and I love you. Dad honks the horn as a last hurrah. I lift my own right arm to wave back, even though I doubt my parents can see. My roommate (who I met on the internet) won’t move in until next week. Tears leak from both eyes, I can’t wipe them away fast enough.
I now live over 500 miles from my parents. I’ll never live with them again.
I turn my head left and look into the kitchen. New pots and pans, a college graduation gift from my grandparents, rest in the cupboards. I turn my head right and my tear streaked face reflects back to me from the TV I purchased with signing bonus money from my new consulting job.
I don’t know anyone in this city.
My parents reach the end of the street and turn. They are no longer visible.
I’m so alone.
***
Wave (n): a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid (as of the sea)
Noon sun rests high in the sky, and thin clouds stretch across vast blue. A small breeze whispers through dune grass behind us. Fine granules of sand stick to our legs like glitter. The waves offer an irresistible invitation to play. My son and I step into water up to our ankles, and our feet sink into wet sand. Waves breathe and exhale.
“One, two, three, jump!” I shout, and we leap over a wave. My feet clear the froth, and his are barely out of the water. Our energy tangles into turning water. His little hand finds mine, and we run deeper. Sunlight passes through clear water to show off the Gulf’s white sand floor. Tiny silver fish dart away in unison as we charge. August sun has warmed salt water that wraps my knees and his hips in a summer vacation hug.
“Deep enough!” I put my hands under his arms, and he bends his knees. We watch expectantly, waiting for another wave. Is it coming all the way from Mexico? I wonder, unable to see past the water’s horizon.
“Not this one,” I tell him, spotting Our Wave a little farther out. The smaller wave rolls through our bodies, and he almost loses his footing. “Ok, this is it! One, two, three, jump!” Our Wave crests and gains speed. I shoot him out of the water, and he launches. The wave rushes under his arches, pushes my hips backward, and sprays my sunglasses. Salt clings to my lips. I set him down, and our laughter chases the wave all the way to shore. Little droplets of water cling to his cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Waves crash around us, singing and inviting us into the impermanence of their revelry.
***
I am still a 22 year old standing in my first apartment about to begin my first Career Job, wondering what comes next. I am also a 36 year old Mother holding hands and chasing waves with my son.
My parents’ goodbye wave, and my son’s Gulf wave are gone. Waves crash -- of experiences, of emotions, of the ocean. We are left with memories. We are left with the relationships. We are left with the tide pulling us to where we’re supposed to be.
What We’re Eating:
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon and Superfood Salmon Salad
Fajitas. Technically this is just a marinade recipe. But it’s SO good. We use chicken thighs and serve with sautéed onions + peppers and black beans mixed with BBQ sauce.
Pre-chopped salads for lunch. I usually double the dressing and serve over kale. I love Thai Quinoa Salad, Southwest Chickpea Black Bean Salad. I add quinoa and cotija to the Southwest Chickpea Salad. Both eat great poolside. Bring the crunchies in a bag or separate small tupperware. Slice the avocados in a small tupperware and cover with dressing until you’re ready to eat, they’ll will stay green.
Love both wave stories! I so relate to the DC story! Thanks for sharing this!