Venus and Volcanic Ash

Three million years ago, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions ravaged the Cyclades. An isle rose from the Aegean Sea in their wake. According to Greek legend, the goddess Aphrodite sent a young man named Milo to inhabit this island. The goddess Venus fell in love with Milo’s charm and gifted his island with her beauty. This act of grace caused Milos to become the most stunning island in the Aegean Sea.

The smooth, ivory rocks of Milos were chiseled by volcanic ash and painted with Venus’s gentle hand. We explore them by paddle board, weaving through caves and grottos as the sun thaws at the horizon.

My sister steadies our board as I leap onto a rock. Its surface turns to clay beneath my wet feet as I climb. When I reach the top, I lift my arms overhead and spring into the air.

I begin to flip as soon as my toes leave the cliff. I see the rock behind me, the blushing sky above, and finally its glimmering reflection. I shatter the image with my outstretched hands, plunging into the glassy sea that once veiled Milos.