Men of the Sea

‘Don’t let go,’ I begged of him

men of the sea came swarming in 

lunging their bodies against the waves 

if caught there’d be no way to escape.

‘Hold on tightly!’ Dad replied,

‘step your feet inside of mine

although they are five times the size 

…. don’t delay, they’ll take you away’. 

‘Place your hand inside of mine’

it could have fit in his three times

he lifted me up and high I soared 

holding onto Daddy’s bear claw.

Kicking away at the sea I cried

‘come and get me, you beasts… just try!’

knobbly knees waved them goodbye 

Daddy kept me safe up-high.

Once the sea people dispersed

the waves were once again calm, rehearsed

looking up to my Daddy, so tall

with great big arms and shoulders broad.

Wading further into sea

my toes let go of the shells underneath

we swam, we swam and he never let go

he kept me safe from head to toe.

I went with my Daddy into the sea

we swam and we swam 

and never let go.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I love the story here, and I relate so much to it.
reminds me of the time at Harvey Lake when my dad taught me to swim.
I was screaming and kicking because something has happened to me that made me afraid of the water.
But he calmed me, and held me in a way that made me know I was safe.
thanks for this memory of him.
j.

[Laura Kate]

What a lovely memory of your Dad teaching you to swim, and of the lake. It's exactly that feeling of safety that's so magical for us as children. Not that we know necessarily how to recognise it for what it is until later in life. I have so much appreciation for this now, it's my fondest memory.
Best wishes,
Laura.

[Chris Shaw]

Protective Daddy. I sense here a wonderful father daughter relationship. I remember when I was little how much trust I placed in my Dad. Brought a lump to my throat this write Laura. Thirty years gone and never a day I don't think of him.

Chris

[Laura Kate]

Have you listened to Winter bu Tori Amoss? A beautiful song about such a relationship between a father and her daughter. It inspired this poem, I think you'll like it. But prepare for the lump in your throat again! It's extremely emotive and moving.

Thank you for your review, Chris :)
Laura.