The Pirates of Oyrp

Once upon a time Tybee lay in deep silence. Spirit people from an unseen world roamed the silent beaches looking for life. An occasional ship crossed the horizon leaving only short time and the image was gone but the spirit known as Oyrp remembered. Oyrp waited for years, even centuries for what finally appeared on the beach one day, a shipwreck loaded with people. They soon managed to start a new life for themselves and Oyrp had only time to spend and waited patiently. A year later all the humans were settled. Oyrp created a boat for himself, and slowly came to shore in very visible sight. They were fast to take him in and allegedly restore him to health. He had taken the form of a man and lived amongst these folk for a long time. He helped them build a small ship. Weapons were created for their own protection. Oyrp was able to train them for survival on the silent shores of Tybee. The supplies were running low now for there was no Walmart. No ships of trade coming in the channel. Training was now complete, and all were standing ready for that special moment to arrive. It did one day, and Tybee was ready. Soon a cargo freighter from across the sea was seen in the distance. It had been blown off course in a fierce storm. Oyrp guided the ship in to the channel and soon it was grounded. Drugs from a secret garden were administered and while they slept they were looted. Half of their cargo was taken and they were put back at sea. When they awakened they still were lost, had no idea as to where they had been, where they were going nor why they were so short of supplies. Hence, the birth of the Pirates of Oyrp.

Now hidden somewhere in the swamps of Tybee Island, Oyrp silently waits for his next ship. Where will he be just now as he watches in secret? It may be your wallet, your car, your jewelry. Who knows where he is or how secretly he will slip upon you. He has learned through the silent years he does not need others. No ships. No weapons. Just be at the right place at the right time. Watch your stuff. He may be near you.

 

A Visitor's Story

It was shortly after 9/11 when I observed the spot where the ocean meets the shore. It was at this point the full magic of Tybee caressed my awareness. The fears of 9/11 seemed to be history. For a moment, peace
settled my soul, and I found the fullness of the Island. An Eden, if you please, and the globe itself longed to know of it.

Sea foam traveling at top speed near the Jetty. Only a few people disturbed the magic. It was this moment I knew I was in love. Tybee. A new and different love.

The Crab Shack. Complete mystery. Redundancy of beauty, magic, fervor and all the words one cannot find to describe a place one wants to live in, and die in. Alas. I realized I was only a visitor. I would soon be thousands of miles away. Back in the fake world. Yet, I will be back.

The World Famous Breakfast Club, known by that name. It wasn’t real. It had to be a dream. A Brigadoon. If tomorrow would be a hundred years later, still Tybee would be the same. The same ocean would meet the same beach, and the same results would be preserved.

Butler? The main street? The beach front? Gods creation fully saved. Touched by a bit of the world but never to be controlled by it. If it is next year, or a hundred years later, tomorrow, when I awake, Tybee will be there for me. Untouched. Unclaimed. Unreal. Unused.

In the unseen army of Tybee soldiers, I will claim my rank and file, I will take up arms to fight, if need be, to keep Tybee as God gave it to us.

The Seagull
Standing beneath the pier
I see the people, the seagulls,
I see the moment of beauty
Fall upon them all.
I watch and protect.
I see them there.

I cannot fail them,
It is not written that I can fail,
I give them joy, fun, and laughter.
From far away I gather my magic,
I bless them with Tybee,
I give them this Island.

I walk with them.
I hear them singing,
Their children playing on the beach,
The aged and the young are there.
Tybee is filled with enchantment.
Soon, they will be too.

This is Tybee.