Restless, the sea foam
flashes quicksilver.
Watching, I long to be a mermaid,
lifting the tangles of my hair
to the keen windrush.
Then the ebb tide
rolls back, long and slow.
The crests of the waves
peak like white wings
of skimming gulls
before the water, far out there,
smooths to transient peace.
Written in response to Poetics: Names of the Rose at dVerse. We are asked to include at least five from a list of rose names. I have used a few more: Restless, Sea Foam, Quicksilver, Mermaid, Tangles, Windrush, Ebb Tide, White Wings, Peace. One option was to make the poem about the approach of Summer, but here in Australia it's Winter that is approaching. I used the memory of a beach I used to live near and loved to walk in Winter. I also loved to photograph it.
I love the meditative flow of your poem - it felt like a moment of peace shared across the miles - Jae
ReplyDeleteYes, I felt peaceful while writing it. I'm glad that was conveyed.
DeleteA delightful poem, Rosemary, which took me to the sea; I felt the windrush and heard the gulls.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it and entered in.
DeleteWinter beaches are special, Rosemary. I haven't walked on the beach in winter for a while, but you took me there--bracing and calming at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly!
DeleteAll's well that ends well this poem tells me. And that is good!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad.
DeleteAbsolutely beautifullly done. Did you ever see the movie Splash? It's about a mermaid and it's delightful! She ultimately has to make the choice between being a human and a mermaid...a very different rom-com. Highly recommend it especially since you're writing here
ReplyDelete"I long to be a mermaid,
lifting the tangles of my hair
to the keen windrush."
I might have to see it it's streaming anywhere and watch it again! It was produced quite some time ago.
Oh yes, I loved Splash!
DeleteStunning write, Rosemary. I especially love; "The crests of the waves peak like white wings of skimming gulls." 🌸❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sanaa.
DeleteI love how you brought me to the sea (and mermaids which seems to be in many poems)
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems many poets are fascinated by mermaids!
DeleteThis is delicious, Rosemary! I wonder if you're a Pisces, like me; I share your love of the water and think a mermaid's life would be lovely .... except for those dastardly fishing nets! Wonderful writing. 🧜🏻♀️
ReplyDeleteClose! I'm a Scorpio.
DeleteRosemary, I was captivated by your poem, also by the photos of that Beach. I doubt a trip back to Australia is remotely possible at this stage of my life ... a lady can dream. Yes?
ReplyDeleteAnd trips back to America are also beyond me now – nevertheless, one can not only dream but remember fondly.
DeleteRosemary, I love your mermaid tales! This poem is soft life the sea foam that births the mermaids. 🧜🏻♀️
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you! I did feel a softness in writing it.
DeleteA short and quiet contemplation, nicely written Rosemary. đź‘Ź
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shaun.
DeleteLovely, lovely, lovely! The water and shorebirds bring me peace, as did your poem.
DeleteThank you, Kim. Good to know.
DeleteAh, Pottsville Beach, how lovely to see. I so enjoyed the verbing and yet the gentleness of this, a swoon.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you did. And how nice that you know the beach.
DeleteThis brings such a sense of peace.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad it does that.
Delete