Ocean City, NJ
1.
Look closely,
at its sparkling surface
where rainbows dart and dance in the spray,
flowing currents
not green or grey or blue,
but multi-hued,
a thousand variations on the theme of life
2.
Beneath the surface,
fish swim, eat, spawn
schools of action, not thought
(or so I think)
their entire universe,
the stars seen through the water
bob up and down
3.
The whales sing in whistles and clicks,
a choral group with perfect pitch,
songs of courtship, longing, danger
giant bodies, buoyant in work and play
cooperating, defending,
underwater hearts beat in sea rhythm
4.
In small boats, they journey
guided first by the sun and stars,
later by navigational tools,
explorers, fishermen, immigrants
they sailed then,
they sail now,
always and forever,
on the slipstream of time
5.
The lovers stand on the shore
holding hands, bodies close
as if to make two, one
gazing at the waves,
each lost in thought,
their dreams mingle, float
drift toward the horizon
This is for NaPoWriMo, Day 6. The prompt was to write a poem that explored different views or aspects of something.
Love this! Especially the two “underwater” stanzas and “the stars seen through the water/bob up and down”. Oh, and Wallace Stevens again 🙂
Thanks so much, Jennifer.
Would you believe that “Thirteen Ways. . .” was in the NaPoWriMo prompt today? Another coincidence! 🙂
ah, psychic poetry vibes! although that poem is usually hovering not too far off for me…
Oh–now we have to write poems about psychic poetry vibes. 🙂
you first! lol
Hahaha
You picked a subject with endless possibilities. I enjoyed the ones you explored 🙂
Thank you, Jane.
Yes, I’m sure I could have gone on. 😉
Particularly like the stars seen through the water. Lovely glimpses.
Thanks so much, Sarah!
FIve views, yet only one sea … yet all views are applicable … and there is more than five.
Oh, definitely more, Frank. 🙂
“My” seashore place for the summer! Thanks for bringing it to me in lovely poem verse. Yes, you got it, exactly. 🙂
Thanks so much, Pam. I’m glad I got it right. 🙂
Stunning! Much needed beauty, thank you.
Thank you so much!
Lovely reflections
Thank you, Derrick.
This was deep in its undertaking so many ways the sea can be viewed. I liked the way you say the stars bob up and down from looking up through the water. Also, how people travel (traveled) across the sea, Merril. Immigrants, explorers and voyagers. . . even pirates! There’s my addition or contribution. 🙂
I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for your contribution, Robin. Pirates are important!
“a thousand variations on the theme of life”–just beautiful. This poem especially resonates with me. (K)
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
These are great, Merril. I especially like #5.
Thank you for going back and reading all of these older poems, Ken! I appreciate it.
#5 appeals to you because you are a true romantic–and still a newlywed. 😉
🙂 ❤
🙂