Closed –
my favourite track to the beach.
I lift the string, step beneath it,
take the risk.
Hard to believe … a cliff
where the ramp used to be.
Hurled logs and whole trees
lie splayed like bodies.
Far out, voluminous grey waves
in rich turmoil boil to white,
attack a shore
that can't escape.
Victory. The water surges
higher than it's ever been,
to the abrupt end of the track,
excitedly bashing the debris.
I've walked this beach in calm winter
gathering unlimited shells;
in spring and summer
skipped and played like a child.
Now: deep, cold fury
roars and hisses as I retreat.
Tonight I won't challenge
this menacing sea.
Tonight I won't challenge
this menacing sea.
Linked to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #295
The sea has many moods. I love that about her.
ReplyDeleteThis is a poem that allows the reader to inhabit the scene. I felt I was beside you, marvelling at the power of the sea.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to lift the barriers sometimes - make decisions about our own safety and decide when to play - soon enough the beach will become a 'playground' again..
ReplyDeleteFar out, voluminous grey waves
ReplyDeletein rich turmoil boil to white
Love the powerful depiction of the sea.
Beautifully penned.
Lots of love,
Sanaa
You are wise not to challenge a menacing sea. There will be other days! Smiles. You gave us a vivid word picture, and I can't help but think that as you are going toward winter (perhaps accounting for some of the fury?) we are in the midst of a glorious spring!
ReplyDeleteThis happens all the time on the California coast. What a great description of it!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a vivid description: "voluminous grey waves
ReplyDeletein rich turmoil boil to white,
attack a shore
that can't escape"---so perfectly depicted!!
Oh the angry sea is not something to be trifled with...love your description!
ReplyDeleteAn angry sea and a devastated but loved space. Your details tell and show us,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
No definitely don't challenge an angry sea. When it is a bit tetchy I tend to sit down and listen to its grumbles and eventually it calms down a little! We've been friends for ages!
ReplyDeleteattack a shore that can't escape.. loved that image!
ReplyDeleteYou captured this image perfectly. The ocean is fascinating, even in its anger. Lovely poem Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteAn adventurous journey this was, thanks for taking me along Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteIf it were another night, would you dare to challenge the menacing sea? ;)
ReplyDeleteGood question! Perhaps I need to rewrite that bit.
DeleteLike this evocative poem...but for me it was so long time ago... love vivid description ' trees lie splayed like bodies. '. Feel the aspiration and hope in the last lines to meet new challenges soon...spirit longing for more...
ReplyDeleteIt was a fair while ago for me, as it happens. This is a revision of a piece first written in 2009.
DeletePerhaps, some days are like this... when we are so powerless over the other side that we can never control. We can only control our self... to be brave & still to wait for the face of everyday... maybe, tomorrow won't be as harsh as today. :)
ReplyDeleteGood choice! And yet, you go far enough to "get" it and to share it. I love that about you.
ReplyDelete