Beach Read
written by: Farhad
I was determined to plow through
my pile of book reviews.
They’d accumulated over the weeks of
my Sunday ritual—
newspapers and coffee at a local cafe.
Every issue promised
wonders and insights—
fresh perspectives.
I envisioned a calm morning
at the beach.
With the aid of a giant umbrella
shielding me
from the sun’s ultraviolet rays,
I’d sit in the artificial shade,
sip water,
and soak up some knowledge.
I’d feel justified
that I’d saved them;
some were already
yellowing,
their best seller lists no longer
bristling
with the excitement
of timeliness.
But the damn wind was too forceful.
I had to hold down my protection.
In the instant I let go, it lifted into the air
and collapsed,
missing me by inches.
The pages were violently flapping.
The ideal in my mind—
and absurd reality.
I sat there for a few minutes, hoping
the gusts would die down,
allowing me to return to a piece about a
new study of the Iranian Revolution.
Finally, I gave up— collected
my water, blanket, and the useless umbrella—
and retreated to my air conditioned house.
The pile remains.
- Beach Read - September 12, 2025
