the rocks are jagged- they jut from the water like ancient pillars that once held up the sky above. one with a round hole in the middle, like a window made by the hand of god himself. another dotted with trees as waves break at the base. it is loud here; in that way that only the sea can be loud and soothing in equal measure. i find peace in the cold water against my feet, stepping over smooth stones to reach sand. i pick one up, turn it on my palm, trace it with my finger. it is warm. so am i. i can’t believe that i am here in this place, so far from home. the pacific has always seemed so impossible to this mountain girl.  

i belong back east
to old appalachia
but my heart is full