It was I who instigated her,
Put her in harm’s way
But never in my wildest dreams
Could I imagine how she’d change my world
And tire me out with sleepless nights
Of frolic and antics
Until I had to get away-- for my sanity
And now, a month later, a glass of salty water is
All I have left from my glorious fling with that ocean wave
We had spent such a
Marvelous afternoon
She and I
Now waltzing,
Now splashing,
Now diving,
Now inhaling deep as
I watched her hold me up to the surface
But that she—
Tall, wet and fluid, and so full of life
Would tear away from her ocean,
Though her sisters cried and begged
And tried hard
To grab onto her skirts—
Would abandon them, hold my hand
And run away with me
Was unbelievable!
Immediately she entered my closet
To make sure
We were really alone.
Then she flooded away all dark shadows,
Illuminated every corner with brilliant
Blue and green light
As my neighbors and the stars watched, jealous.
I hugged her tight every night,
She squirted her love in response
Dazzled me with rainbows, and
Oh, how she rolled and crashed with me in my bed!
To the consternation of the neighbors
We rumbled and tumbled that way past a decent hour.
Until in all her doing
She summoned the wind to send them into their houses.
She roared in foaming laughter,
Had the whole house smelling of her
Until I couldn’t function for days
and I had to abandon her...
So, out you go, Lady Wave (flings contents in the glass),
But my degenerate life with you will forever linger:
The best and worst times in my life.
*
© 2022 selmamartin.com
I knew right away that salt water was what I saw in Sadje’s photo in What Do You See
this week. And to me, what I see in the distance is a cloudy sky and the ocean *wink*
My inspiration for this poem came from Octavio Paz’s My Life With The Wave poem,
which I fell madly in love with the moment I first read.
I’m sure you must know the poem, but if you don’t, please look it up, dear ones– you’ll
feel the enormity of the ocean visiting you this summer.
For my friends in Australia, save this one for the summer.
BTW, there’s a fantastic children’s book with glorious illustrations made in the likes of
the poem. I recommend you check it out on YouTube to ascertain why you’ll want to
purchase this one for every child you know.
Top photo: Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash
Photo for June 27th #WDYS: Image credits: Avis @ Pexels
Thanks for reading and I hope you could feel a little
ocean breeze as you read.
Stay cool this summer. I wish you miracles.
- Homage to Dante: What Ails Thee, Trifler? - December 13, 2024
- Do The Southerlies Come For The Wicked Too? - December 12, 2024
- Dectina Refrain: Tinged Living Lessons - December 11, 2024
I completely enjoyed this experience Selma. A wonderful poem! Thanks for joining in
Oh gosh, Sadje. Thanks for letting me play with this one. It’s really salt water that needs to return to that ocean yonder.
Oh, Sadje, I know how busy you must be, but when time allows check out that Octavio Paz poem. You will adore it like I do.
And if you have little ones running around check out the children’s book on YouTube. I recommend with my blessings. XoXo good night. 😴
Okay Selma, I’ll definitely do that. Thanks for the recommendation.
Selma, this is SO creative and beautiful – you could totally turn this into a children’s story (I’m coming from the perspective of a father to a seven-year-old)!
Much love,
David
David, real quickly: watch this and if you like it show it to your daughter.
https://youtu.be/wzzQLXszkPY
Good night, David.
And let me know how and if you liked it. Blessings.
wow! did you read this to your children when they were little, Selma? 🙂
I didn’t know about the children’s book when they were little but they sat to listen to me read them the 15 minute long story/prose. And they loved it.
The storybook is perfect for kids.
XoXo
I just take seashells home, but this seems much more fun!! 😆 I really wish Missouri were closer to the ocean, I am a Pisces and feel drawn to water, maybe one day I will move to a nice house on the beach!!
‘
Seashells stay put where you put them. Docile. Waves are moody. You know, with the moon thing and all that…
So please remember this if you ever decide to take home a wave.
😜 just sayin’
Thanks for the comment. I bless you.
😆 Wise woman!
Selma, your poetic story was captivating and enchanting with a touch of mystery! 🌊✨
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Michele dear. Thanks for commenting.
I love reading through this one, takes you through a whole journey. ❤️
Aww. Glad to hear this. I appreciate you. Xoxo 🤗
So do I dear friend. xoxo 💞
such a lovely journey you created Selma.. I loved it!
💖👏
Pleases me enormously to hear you say that. Thanks. 💋
YOU’RE MOST WELCOME!! 💖💖💖
What a wonderful poem, it’s so immersive
Thanks for saying, Deb. Blessings. xoxo
I enjoyed your take on the prompt, Selma. Lovely rhythm.
Sonia, dear one. So glad you enjoyed my take. XoXo
A wave… I thought of a mermaid or a sea siren. I’ll have to look up the poem at a later time.
We had to do some adjusting to our reno plans and empty most of our downstairs room.
Just the big pieces remain to be moved into the garage when the work starts. …
Good share your knowledge recomend salt water in poem. Nice & knowledgeable write up poem.
Hi, Raj, I appreciate your visit. Always. Glad you liked it. Blessings to you and your loved ones in your corner of the world. Stay safe and sweet. I bless you. xoxo
Thanks Selma, I always glady! You so smart answering 😜!