She was here before the tourists. Before the hotels, the promenades, the cafés with their Instagram-worthy views. She will be here long after.
This seagull stands on her post — unhurried, unimpressed, completely certain of her place in the world. The background erupts in red and orange behind her, loud as a summer crowd. She does not flinch. She has seen it all before.
There is something deeply satisfying about a creature who belongs somewhere completely. No doubt, no question, no looking around. Just: this is my spot. I was here first. Move along.
Acrylic on paper on MDF. Painted in Batumi, Georgia — where the seagulls are, in fact, exactly like this.
By Iris Romanov — psychotherapist and painter.