I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

28 March 2016

Weather Report

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.


Linked to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #295

19 comments:

  1. The sea has many moods. I love that about her.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a poem that allows the reader to inhabit the scene. I felt I was beside you, marvelling at the power of the sea.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It 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..

    ReplyDelete
  4. Far out, voluminous grey waves
    in rich turmoil boil to white

    Love the powerful depiction of the sea.
    Beautifully penned.

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This happens all the time on the California coast. What a great description of it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is such a vivid description: "voluminous grey waves
    in rich turmoil boil to white,
    attack a shore
    that can't escape"---so perfectly depicted!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh the angry sea is not something to be trifled with...love your description!

    ReplyDelete
  9. An angry sea and a devastated but loved space. Your details tell and show us,

    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  11. attack a shore that can't escape.. loved that image!

    ReplyDelete
  12. You captured this image perfectly. The ocean is fascinating, even in its anger. Lovely poem Rosemary.

    ReplyDelete
  13. An adventurous journey this was, thanks for taking me along Rosemary.

    ReplyDelete
  14. If it were another night, would you dare to challenge the menacing sea? ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good question! Perhaps I need to rewrite that bit.

      Delete
  15. Like 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...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a fair while ago for me, as it happens. This is a revision of a piece first written in 2009.

      Delete
  16. Perhaps, 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good choice! And yet, you go far enough to "get" it and to share it. I love that about you.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated and will be visible after being approved by the blog owner. If you can only comment anonymously, please include your name in the comment, just so I know who's talking to me.