the land of happiness

i took this photo off the coast of the dominican republic

fascinated with what lies beneath the azure water

seagulls have a free for all on the crest of waves

i hold an imaginary conch shell to my ear

believing i hear your voice

or some facsimile thereof anyway

i breathe in shadows

the salt bites my tongue

funny how sadness trudges slowly through time

just then the potent sunshine

carries me back to the glorious present

i watch as a palm frond glides

from the safety of its home into the sea

more beautiful with its independence

the sharks of memory lose their taste for blood

finding the land of happiness

my ship docks

 

 

Reviews

[Inject Positivity]

Hello Lydia, I loved this uplifting, imagery filled write along with the picture you have painted in the poem... I have enjoyed the way you have shown the power of nature to bring back the joy in our life... It's very delightful and magnificent in its beauty... A very good write of hope and happiness and you truly took us to the land of happiness...

Sincerely
Dhiman

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Dhiman. There is such beauty in nature....so much to see and enjoy. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Reflections and memories of beauty and nature at work tinged with sadness and acquiescence.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, John....in life we are wise to know when it is time for acquiescence. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed so Lydi, indeed so.

[Ken Simm.]

Now you know I would love this Lydi. It has all the elements that I so enjoy in your writing. And so beautifully presented to the reader.

[Lydia Shutter]

Yup, this one is right up your alley. I love nature too...but the sunny side, not the snowy kind! :) Thanks, Ken. Lydi**

[Ken Simm.]

You are more than welcome Lydi. There are some nice northern climes however that don't quite freeze your tripes.

[Lydia Shutter]

If I can't be comfortable walking barefoot and wearing shorts and a tank top, it is too cold for me!

[Ken Simm.]

Do that up here in bonny Scotland all the time. Just have to be tartan.

[Lydia Shutter]

LOL I would not be able to...if it is below 21 degrees Celcius, I am shivering.

[barleygirl]

The dips & climbs of your message resemble the way a bird soars on the thermals, floating up & down, while the bird watches everything beneath him/her. All these well-described details reminiscent of when we go on vacation wanting to rid our minds of all the angst, yet we sometimes have too much time on our hands for the various ups & downs to run thru our undirected thoughts. This is cerebrally brilliant, as much as it is sensory.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for seeing this one so clearly, Margie. Lydi**

[Sanober]

That photo is just wonderful, and so is this poem. it's true that sometimes a certain sadness comes and catches us unaware, and then something beautiful we see pulls us back into the present. may you always find the land of happiness, my friend. i always enjoy feasting my eyes on your beautiful words and images.

[Lydia Shutter]

I took the photo and wrote the poem on my last cruise, Sanober. You know I love those. Thank you so much for the review. Lydi**

[redzone]

those deep azure waters hold mystery and adventure in them as fronds float freely in the waves of time, releaving you and anyone of melancholy and keep those sharks at bay.... you give us a lovely beach and a blue sky of why visiting these lands are so life giving... I can see the camera poised in your hands Lydi eager to snapshot the stories of such adventures and conjuring up words to capture our imaginations.... it is indeed hard to be sad when such beauty stands before you.... and you make the "wish you were here" feelings sharp with contentment.... love this very "nice" poem Lydi... ;0)

redzone

[Lydia Shutter]

Curt, you know me well. I get up early...eager to see new places, the sky, the sea. I take photos of everything and drink it all in with my camera. Then I add the words. It is my happiness...always will be. Thank you for the "nice" review. Lydi**

[Bala Gorthi]

Very true, whatever we see, for a while we go into thoughts or imagination and again come back.
Description of nature along with the human element has made this poetry live for me.
I loved the lines "I watch ........... . The Sharks ........... my docks".
Beautiful poem just as the picture there.
Thank you for sharing.:-):-):-)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Bala. Lydi**

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

It gave me a very beautiful & scenic view. Wish to see the land of happiness :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much. Lydi**

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Welcome Lydi** :)

[Writeforlovely]

As a lover of the beach myself, I feel pulled into this poem. I really enjoyed this! Wonderful job!

xoxo

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Lisa Lindsey]

The thing I always loved about your sea poetry is that it paints the most vivid picture and summons in me the same melancholy memories. There is beauty in the safety of the past but also in the independence of the present. The sun always brings its own healing. “Finding the land of happiness my ship docks” is a brilliant finale!

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your review, Lisa. Thank you. Lydia