Images by Marina Weiner
It was dark and I was craving absolution.
Online, people traded words like “magical,” “incredible,” “once in a lifetime.”
I drove south, following their geotags. I needed to feel their awe.
If I could just see the water glow, I knew I would never be lonely again.
On the beach, waves roared in from the black night to greet me.
I studied them. I begged them to be what I needed.
I waited.
I saw a glimmer, or I didn’t. Either way, the blanket of dark swallowed me whole.
I sighed with relief. I was so happy to be alone.
This piece was published by NuRoots in collaboration with Jewish Book Council as part of NuRoots’ Awe in a Flash project for In Awe — seven weeks of virtual gatherings and D.I.Y. experiences that explore a season of expansiveness, reflection, and astonishment. See the other pieces here and here.
An initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, NuRoots mobilizes and inspires people in their 20s and 30s to create meaningful Jewish community across L.A.
Marina is an artist living in Southern California. She is currently pursuing an MFA in ceramic sculpture at California State University, Long Beach.
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