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**

[1VJ]

Enchanting, I've been looking for this on a map but I found it in your poetry. Melancholy reflections with a twist.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Paloma. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

My ship docks in the cove of possibility...
with dreams of finding peaceful reverie of
a voice that soothes sensitivity.
Lydi, your voyage is an adage of sweet
memories... truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Possibility....we have to believe in that, my friend. thank you so much. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

Poetry is the essence of possibility...

[Patricia Wedel]

Gorgeous photo ...

[Paul Bell]

I'm docking behind you.
The imagery looks fantastic.
Sure in a previous life, i came from a hot country.
Was in the Dominican years ago, brill.

[Lydia Shutter]

I love cruising the Caribbean. It never gets old for me. Thanks so much for the review, Paul. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Lydia!!! :) i see you there ...5th palm from the right ;) and that's me ..stumblin' drunk on down the road there .... but i think the dose of potent sunshine is a far better medicine :) really like your shark line ..very inspired says i!
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Smiling here! Thank you so much, E! Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

What a lovely keepsake you have for all time, Lydi! Do you ever get sea sick? I'd be scared to death to go on one.

You know, I've noticed something quite striking about palm trees. On a very sunny day, when the sun hits them just right, it looks as though the top fronds are on fire! The first time I ever saw it, it startled me like crazy.

[Lydia Shutter]

No, I never get seasick....even on transatlantic crosses. I am fortunate. Yes, palm trees do look like they are on fire sometimes. I agree! Thanks for the visit, Kelly. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

What I love about this is its resonance for me -- often times a sad memory invades, and something good from the present brings us back to a more pleasant state of mind. This is wonderfully stated.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, KL. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

all of this beautiful imagery...things to envision on a cruise...and yet i see so much allegory...and how people are much like these creatures in our own way...oh, in line 6 i read it as "breathe"---

i think my ship is thinking about docking...

i wish the sharks in this world would find peace and contentment and quit devouring others.

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, it was meant to be an allegory, but was written on the cruise. Thank you for finding the "breathe"...one good edit deserves another! :) We all have to find our own happy place....and then dock the ship there permanently! Thank you, Jacob. Lydi**

[Valentine]

Beautiful picture, I wish I could hold a conch to my ear and hear my departed husbands voice. Valentine

[Lydia Shutter]

I am sure you can hear it with your heart, sweet Valentine. Thank you so much for the review. Lydi**

[Jamestown]

This was so calming for me to read:)
Great imagery to go along with wonderful wording and photo,
Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, James. Lydi***