Yesterday I Swallowed the Ocean Whole

Yesterday I swallowed the ocean whole,

As if I could claim it as my own,

And suffered quite a long night

With the salt echoing in my ears.

 

I may have gotten sea-sick,

But it didn’t matter

Because I was already sick

 

And had been standing open-mouthed on the shores for years

With the longing to drown.

Author's Note

I'm a little rusty...

Reviews

[.]

Wow, both your imagery and metaphors are magnificent. I really like the analogy you make between the ocean and yourself, and I am pretty certain that the "rust" has washed away with the tides. Great job, Hayley, and thank you for your read request.

-Cord

[Hayley]

Thank you; I really appreciate it!

[Winter]

I love the imagery and how very descriptive you were with this poem. really apreciated this peice. Thankyou so much for writing this

[.........]

This poem reminds me of the City And Colour quote: "and like the sea, I'm constantly changing from calm to ill." The first time I read this, I honestly didn't see nearly as much as I did the second time. The style is sort of longing and yet matter-of-fact. I'd say the first stanza is the best, but, then again, the "I may have gotten sea-sick, But it didn't matter Because I was already sick" is important and the last stanza sends us all back home. I don't know, this is good. But I have to admit, it doesn't have the same edge that you normally have.

[bob, small b. aka invs]

if you're rusty, stay away from the ocean. you know how corrosive salt water can be.

but you neither look nor sound rusty. i think you'll be ok.

[Hayley]

True that, and thanks!

[Coyote Poetry]

I learn to keep mouth close in the ocean. Water is mighty nasty. I did like the ending. I could watch the sea for days. She give me peace and calm. Thank you for the entertaining poem.
Coyote

[Hayley]

Thanks, Coyote!

[Kenneth The Poet]

Even rust has a beauty to it.

[Hayley]

Thank you. It's good to be back.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Glad to see you again.

[Nautili]

Oh...I just saw a special on surviving being lost at sea.the irony of being surrounded as far as you can see by water but not being able to drink it since it will dehydrate you and pickle your insides very quickly, after an excruciating death. If that wouldn't play with your mind, to die of thirst with water everywhere, what would? So I see the symbolism even more profoundly since contemplating being in that situation- being so thirsty but knowing if I drink of that water ( whatever it might be) if will make me sick and kill me if I imbibe too much...

[Hayley]

Thanks for the interpretation... I love it!

[The Analog Kid]

Kind of dark. I could taste the salt and that thought made me nauseous for a second.

[Hayley]

Haha, likewise!

[Patrick]

nothing rusty about this...those final words pack a sad punch, loved the concept