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.

[emmajoygreen]

No idea of the words' meaning but they reached dep and deeper into me as I listened and looked at the video. Is both beautiful and.. haunting.

As are your words. You've shaped your language around such a simple yet deafening situation : two people needing recognition as individuals, unique yet needy. Your mind, imagination and instincts have created a deeply meaningful and sensitive piece of writing, sir. Superb, beautiful. .

[Einstein Noodle]

i am indebted dear Em! and humbled to blushing that you felt this in such a way .. no greater reaction can one ask for, in my opinion .. especially for the abstract person .. love love love your review .. thanks you!!!

[emmajoygreen]

It was a true pleasure to read and contemplate your poem. Plus the video, the music and singing is beautiful. Thank YOU

[Cherrie Palmer]

Makes me think of how do many couples try to remake themselves into what they think the other wants. Only to return to what they are in the end.
I can hear the surf and smell the salt and see her cut through the water.

[Einstein Noodle]

boy o' boy aint it the truth ... we have such strong emotions and want the "other" to be happy but in causing us to not be "our selves" shouts a hard end ... so grateful for your impressions, Cherrie .. thanks so much!!
E.

[Pete]

a creative, likeable read. we blame the little things when it goes astray. is harder to dive deep down and get at the real reason - have to hold our breaths. jethro tull had a song i like called 'seal driver' .. :)

[Einstein Noodle]

appreciate your review Sir Pete! Jethro Tull is an all time favorite of mine too. .. have to give it a listen now ;) thanks so much for your support my friend!
E.

[Ladysue]

This is a thought provoking write. She transforms and returns back to the water. Parting in always difficult. This takes my mind in so many places. Striking images in this line..’she cuts water with fish whispers and whale moaning deeps’ Creativity written as only you can.

[Einstein Noodle]

dear Ladysue! thank you so much for taking time .. i am feeling very happy this caught your imagination a bit .. top o' the mahrnin' to ya Lass!
E.

[Ken Simm.]

You obviously know about the selkie my dear friend. This got me right there. No not there.... there.
Down in the whale moaning deeps.

[Einstein Noodle]

my wonderful Highlander!!! somehow i knew this would call to you ... if anyone has a chance meeting .. it would be you who would stumble across her .. slainte mhath!
E.

[Ken Simm.]

I've just reposted my old one, The Widows Selkie. I hope you don't mind.
I had honestly forgotten you had posted this. I will take my old rewrite down if you wish.

[Einstein Noodle]

oh no .. I remember yours and will enjoy reading it again .. selkie are most difficult to claim as one's own .. down yer neck ol' buddy!!

[Ken Simm.]

Ye are getting to be an honery Scot so ye are. then ye can wear yer spooran inside yer kilt to keep yer nadgers warm.

[Einstein Noodle]

:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ye bollin dollaly ..yer talkin' mince! i'll keep me nadgers swingin' under me kilt ...

[Soren]

Einstein this caught me off gaurd. The line that stuck with me was "she cut the water with fish whispers and whale moaning deeps" This somehow echoed in my mind and is still reverberating. A most interesting and mind provoking poem.

[Einstein Noodle]

Soren ...thank you so much for taking time .. i could not feel more gratified some of this one stuck with you .. love and peace
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

"she cuts water with fish whispers and whale moaning deeps"...all creatures miss their loved ones when they are gone. The arguments about how to squeeze the toothpaste or who is doing the dishes seem so trivial and silly after "the other" is gone. Very different write from you, E....I liked it a lot. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

thank you always for your continued support, Lydi ... you heard her song clearly ;)))))))))))) love and joy my friend!
E.

[W. Barrett Munn]

No matter the reasons the repercussions of break up are always felt most by the dishes.

Winston

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha .. i love your reviews sir .. thanks very much for reading ..yes .. ohh those dishes!! :)))))))))
E.