Seal Song

"Selkie of the Sea" Brian C. Hailes

SEAL SONG

squaring off in the kitchen

between the he and she

it was over 

                          

                               dishes piled high and precarious on plastic, garbled countertop

the dinner        -       menu 'd out

it was how he held the toothpaste and

something         -        about something        -        or

                                

                                      OTHER 

the other being in "can't speak"

her real, seal skin

her real selkie, soft; smooth grey and onyx marine

purring as the welcome warm currents  of         

she

she cuts water with fish whispers and whale moaning deeps

her coral is now and

he is no more and

she would breath under the salt and water

E.

03/10/2023

Author's Note

Reviews

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

Based on my interpretation of the poem, I believe that it is exploring the ways in which small issues and misunderstandings can escalate into larger conflicts in relationships. The imagery of the piled-up dishes and the garbled countertop suggests a sense of chaos and disorder, while the focus on the way the man holds the toothpaste and the other unknown issue highlights how even the smallest things can become sources of conflict. The reference to the "other being in 'can't speak'" suggests that there may be underlying issues or emotions that are not being expressed or communicated effectively. The description of the woman's seal skin and the warm currents could be interpreted as a metaphor for her inner emotional state, which is in contrast to the conflict and chaos of the kitchen. Overall, I found the poem to be a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which small issues can escalate into larger conflicts. The vivid imagery and poetic language used by you created a deeply immersive experience that draws the reader in and leaves them feeling both moved and inspired.

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my goodness Mr. B!! what an insightful and thorough review you have given this .. so thoughtful and i appreciate very much the time you took to put these pieces together .. you are spot on in my intention sir .. thank you so very much!
E.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Oh I feel this one. A place where many have tread, have dared to. Women like Selkies can also be dangerous and vengeful. It seems in this thought provoking piece that the Selkie survives, but what of her land lubber lover? The imagry and careful work choice, added to the fragmented set out of the poem adds to the feelings of fragmentation and desperation.

[Einstein Noodle]

yep .. she survived .. him .. can't say for sure but it doesn't feel like anything good ;)))))))))))))))))))))what an encouraging review, john! thanks so much .. love and peace
E.

[Arundass TP]

Interesting work.lines are good. Good work 👍

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you Arundass! nice to meet you! glad you were able to find something enjoyable in it .. later gator!
E.

[Betty Hermelee]

As you describe the scene it does remind me of a chaotic encounter….where there was nothing left to say….and the seal might have been a calming of the mind and spirit. After such a row…. A very good portrayal of human conflict…….
Warmly,
B.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks again, Ms. Betty .. for reading and reviewing .. it means a lot .. peace and joy
E.

[Troy Henson]

What is seen on the surface is often not what is underneath. Lifes blurred vision of what reality is can have damaging affects and often due to frustration we miss the smaller things that makes sense of a bigger situation. If we could only breath more to help us see than talking would become easier.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ... three deep cleansing breaths can change the scene dramatically ... or a quick sincere prayer .. maybe both ..thanks for reading and commenting Troy!
E.

[Fran Marie]

It seems it was more than mere dishes
piled high and toothpaste .or something .
something ,or another, .little things
disguising the real issues hidden beneath
the surface .piled higher and deeper
we may want to really voice but can't seem
to speak the words ..women tend to clam up
in seal soft emotion sealing our thoughts and
words inward..where some men might never understand ..
This poem is a lovely rendering of many emotions
between the He and She of life...nice work Mr E.
"she would breath under the salt and water.. beautiful

[Einstein Noodle]

i'm so touched by your review, Fran ... many thanks

[Neville]

it seems to me that summats up .. something over nothing maybe .. irksome fore shore but then some and correspondingly seethingly brewed & blowed out of proportion with some salt rubbed in for good measure ..
N.

[Einstein Noodle]

:))))))))))))) yep! that's about it Nev! .. such trivial little things that become festering sores .. that's not what love is .. is it!?? be well .. raising me pint to you tomorrow sir ... already had one for this day :)))))
E.

[Neville]

this very eve it is then brother G :))) cheers N.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Gene… I have seen the Seals playing on the Rocky West Coast of California many years ago. They are Playful and Musical… Hope you are enjoying the Summer in the Ozark's. gently, Pat p.s. I adore the Seals as they enjoy the Splashing in Water… diving for Fish …

[Einstein Noodle]

yes! they are a wonderment .. i happened to be driving down the Coast Highway one year and the seals were coming ashore to have their pups .. thank you for your support all these years Pat! :)
E.

[Patricia Wedel]

My pleasure.. 🧬 Gene… The sunsets are more golden and the rain is more healing….
Soon we will become Spirits … but not too soon.. softly, Pat

[Einstein Noodle]

yes .. it is true .. soon enough when we are called eh!?

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Men are from Mars; women are from Venus. Sometimes, we have a difficult time communicating; and this can make mountains out of molehills. Men are told that they can't express themselves. Women tend to go inward when they are upset. In the end, it makes for a combustible conflagration. If we would but stop, think, and speak with compassion and understanding so many of these circumstances could be mitigated.

I really like how you take a complex issue and write of it in such a soft and tender way.

Well done.

[Einstein Noodle]

glad you enjoyed Linda .. i agree .. it just takes a little patience with each other with understanding and LISTENING the rest of the sandwich ... then each would enjoy ;) peace and love sister!
E.

[FGFRANKLIN]

"I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.." But this seems more like a confused confrontation over feelings neither want to speak so they blame anything or everything else. You have written a very creative and unique take on the subject matter. I enjoyed the read.

[Einstein Noodle]

thanks again my friend! yes, it takes two to tangle doesn't it!? i think i will and " finally free once more" or "finding her seal fur coat, free once more" ... what do you think?
E.