Waves

As I was cleaning out files today, I came across this. I wrote this in July 2003. but it still speaks to me.

Waves

I seek the calm seas and sunny beach.

I know the waves crashing over me will continue

I guess it’s the nature of the ocean

The generation of the swells

Guided by the moon

 

I weep for the times

When I saw the possibility

Of the peaceful still water

The waves lessen

Yet the threat

Of a deadly wall of water

Crashing down

Exists

 always

 

I long to swim away

To a protected cove

Where the cool breeze brushes my skin

Where the water beneath me

Calms me and supports me

 

No one knows me here

Yet I still fish for my livelihood

For now, I guess

I am blessed

For the waves

However raging

What has my soul done

In lives past?

Can’t I just be sad?

I keep the tears at bay

For if I let them fall

I cannot swim under the wall

And survive the beating

Of the water

I can’t turn my back

I can’t relax

It’s become a way of living each day

Almost as routine as the breath

In and out of my body

This is the price we pay

To live in the ocean

I see my friends who live in the mountains

And the city

Is it worth the whole change?

Today I may say yes…

 

But what lies in the depths of my heart

Is not for you to hear

I don’t let you near

For if I did

I may depend on you

To throw me a life preserver

When I have been weakened

By intrusion-

And what becomes of me

When you cease to be there?

It’s my protection, you see.

I provide my own

I know it’s me.

 

Jw072003

Reviews

[Jerome F Knox III pseud..]

arguably one of the best poems you have written thus far....


By intrusion-
And what becomes of me
When you cease to be there?
It’s my protection, you see.
I provide my own
I know it’s me

I would have loved to have known you back then....you are thriving nicely....I can't wait to see your writings when you surrender to your gift and trust your voice....

[Jennesis]

Rico~
I can't express enough gratitude for guidance and encouragement. Either way, I am glad I know you now. I would not have trusted my voice or even called myself a writer without your pushing me. Forever grateful~ Jennesis

[Sadashivan Nair]

Very nice piece with serious inspirations

[Jennesis]

Thanks Sadashivan! I appreciate it.

[Talesha]

Lovely poem :) Keep writing.

[Jennesis]

Thank you Talesha!

[Voiceless]

This was a really beautiful poem. This goes to show that no matter the length of time, a poem like this will always remain timeless.

[Jennesis]

Thank you so much Voiceless~ it feels so nice to hear!

[Lizardo]

Wow, this poem is really amazing... this is pure poetry...
One great poem and the way you ended it, this deserves an applause really
I love this poem, This is really good!
Great work!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

risky living by the ocean, but for different reasons risky in the mountains...

so which way do we go?

like in life...risks come along, we make choices and then we survive with those choices the best we can...

i like the allegory here...could just stand for what is written here, ocean, mountains....but i see a depth going much further into life...being in a new place, trying to fit in...sometimes feeling we made the wrong choice in moving...changing careers or whatever...but we adapt...humans usually do..

this is a really compelling write.

[Jennesis]

Thank you Jacob! Yes, it does feel like life...I appreciate your kind feedback.