The Photograph

By: Elvina Lau

The photo stood on the mantel, with flowers stretched across the frame. Cold glass covered a fading scene, which showed the edge of a railing, facing the sea and sky. It was of the day I finally had the chance to visit that famous island. The warm embrace of the smiling sun burned into my memory. Its cheerfulness reached everything in the area, be it a person or an object.

The railing had been blazing under the sun’s intensity. Built on the very edge of the cliff, it stayed strong and withstood the blistering heat. The cliff plummeted down to meet the crowd of rocks, accessible by a narrow stone layered stair. The rocks greeted the waves enthusiastically, who foamed in eagerness and lapped at the rocks in response.

Further out into the horizon, however, the waves calmed and turned into mellow, blue-green waters. Over there, it seemed like a crystal cave, an appeal to many; its wonders are hidden in its depths. The water sparkled and gleamed; fierce rays on its surface lit its beautifully blended shades of blue and green.

On the steps of the stone layered stair, the sea sprays fluttered onto my skin. The gentle wind brought along a faint smell of salt. The squawks of seagulls drifted from afar to where I stood. Their white and black feathers were like swans.

However, the island’s appeal had worn out as the sun became more ferocious. The squawks of the seagulls had withered. The once energetic waves had fallen. The winds, once gentle, now howled, and the railing began to creak underneath its pressure. Dull, grey patches grew to tear apart its green paint. The corner of the glass case had cracked; the photo, only made of paper, now had a rip.

With a wistful smile, I brought the photo down from its spot on the mantel. The picture had faded. Unable to show the true beauty of the island, its one and only purpose, I knew it was time to throw it away.