Rumours that Dusty can transfer thoughts telepathically I have always taken with a grain of sea salt. But I never even imagined she could hack my mail program. Still, the following message is so personal that it can only be from her.
'Hey Jan,
Don't be sad because you haven't seen me for a few days. I'm about to start labouring and then I'm no fun anyway. Also I need my head for the baby, that is a whole new life and you know how much I value my privacy. I don't know how long you are going to miss me. Time, indeed, will tell.
I've been reading your thoughts now for eight years and so always have the preview of the new Dolphin Address. Sometimes though, you make my melon swell. That I can see what’s going on at the shore via the light refraction of a wave is slightly beyond me. But that I can breathe close by without being seen is correct. I make a hollow in the water with an eddy and from there sniff up my breath. That may sound like a tall story, but don't forget, we've been in the water for 50,000,000 more years than you have been on earth.
Now let me set something right as well. When you ring out that Tibetan baby bell I often come facing you. Sometimes you think me a simple mind for again coming over for that tinkle. But try to see it my way. I'm not ringing that bell, you are! So who's the Simple Simon?! In fact this gives me a full window to read your mind. You are, in spite of your monofin, your waterwing and your dorsal fin, not entirely my type, but I do find you an interesting man whom I enjoy taking my time for.
By the way, even I can learn a thing or two from you, because I'm new at pregnancy and lack the know-how of motherhood. What you recently wrote, (http://gallery.me.com/dolphin_address/100134, scroll down, JP) that a deep dive increases the water pressure which is helpful with the contractions, was a good tip. That's why I moved to deeper waters. That is excellent maternity relief. Proves you haven't eaten all them gherkins to no effect.
It also amuses me that you are ceaselessly pondering myriad issues about me. Most swimmers mainly want to know where I am when I'm not there. You have come to understand that I'm exactly where I want to be. But that is not completely true. You've known for years that I always want to overtake you on that side from which you turn away. Just as I like to approach swimmers from the rear and prefer to keep the sun behind me. But since you first turn yourself a little to one side and then swiftly to the other, you have caught me several times and that can only be if you decide at the very last moment, or I would know too. That's why I often swim by underneath or above you.
Still there is a matter of criticism and you know that darned well. I don't mind when every now and then you make a picture or a video of me, but off late you've gone overboard. E-ve-ry time I got that camera of yours pointed at my belly. At long last I felt pretty distressed. I have no problem swimming in my bare bum, but you behaved like a regular porn paparazzo. I'm not keen on you using that thing as I get bad attention and we also can't ballet.
But come on, that wasn't meant to hurt you. I've become a very busybody now as I have to eat for two. I've got to work hard for our living. With a big belly like mine I have to push a lot more water aside. You think I just stun a fish with my sonar and then have it for the taking, but first I have to find one. And I don't have a wild-friendly reputation here. The fish have become very shy and you're no big help.
But I'm chattering away my time. Luckily I have no need for a cradle as the sea will do the rocking.
And now don't wait for me. I never promised anything, but I have generously been there for you.
Love,
Dusty'
PS: How a woman can drive a man to despair. After the above, the ocean suddenly was very empty. I really thought we might never see her again. But she must have changed her mind, for yesterday she was back with an ever bigger belly and today I even swam with her for half an hour.
I have always seen beauty in the face of a pregnant woman. It's so vital, so alive, so intense. And this afternoon Dusty came to me from the sun that cast a golden blush across her smile so it gained a shadow line, so strong and warming. It was a one-second vision that will always stay with me, an icon of joy about what is to come.
PPS: There are now 16 photo albums on:
http://gallery.me.com/dolphin_address
totalling over 1,500 photos.