Monday, June 30, 2025

By the Sea

The skim stone smallness of the estuary,

boats bobbing to the water music,

gulls crying falsetto minor keys,

and a child pitched voice cutting the quiet.


I could live by the sea in my dreams,

and eat lemon sorbet

to the tune of the repetitive tide.


I watch you swim out beyond the point,

and wish my braver self could join you,

in the sea covered tangle of seaweed and grey stone.


There is a thought that passes between us,

but does not land to form memory.


Bits and bobs

and to be fair

these are only phrases

used without context.


I like the afternoon sea

which is relaxing in its accomplishment

of the day.


It has nothing else to prove except

to sweep the beach clean ready

for the fresh tomorrow.


Is it because we are made of water

that we feel so at peace

here wrapped in our mother's womb

from our conception.

1 comment:

  1. I wrote this poem standing on the edge of the seashore in Devon, England. I didn't have any paper in my bag except for a shop receipt. The poem came forth so quickly I filled the receipt, and was thankful there was just enough room for all the words. Words can disappear again from your thoughts if you don't catch them quickly. It is one of my personal favorites.

    ReplyDelete