The Sea

I was simply singing,
watching red poppies
in the field,
thinking of nothing,
just remembering
the sea of my childhood,
as Banville does
in his book.
How pleasant it is,
even in winter,
to hear the murmur of the sea.

Reviews

[Green]

You'll have to disregard our resident wannabe literary critic, he's repressed and nobody likes him. It's safer to not engage because there's no reasoning with him anyway.

I however, quite liked this little write. It felt sentimental in a quiet understated, not super emotional way.

[Twilight]

I know exactly who you mean. That guy called JG, is in a world of his own. Probably, best not to engage with him; as you suggested.

[Twilight]

JG is the real "repressed" "wannabe" who used to pour scorn, at your writing. That's why he is the one, who your other reviewer should be refering to.

I even made the effort to defend you, from his criticism, if you remember? He used to target you, with his negative ranting.

Now, back to your eloquent poem about the sea. It's clearly a nostalgic piece, as you have explained clearly. Self-referential, and related to a place which is special in your heart.

This poem also speaks of childhood memories, which make you happy; when you imagine singing through those poppy fields.

In dark or uncertain times, we sometimes need to draw comfort from safer times in the past. Rather than attack people, and criticise them; which rarely has any positive kind of outcome.

[Mari]

thanks! 🩷

[Eilis]

This is a lovely, subtle and human poem. Memorable writing gives a glimpse into a mind that is not our own and opens a window that would not have otherwise been opened. With the last line of your poem I am (in spirit) standing in that field with the wind going through me and thinking of my own moments of peace or contemplation in this kind of space.

The connectiveness of the images and the way you connect the voice/thought in the poem back to another offers a sense of scaffolding. From Banville to the speaker to the reader—the poem is an invitation for those open to it. I enjoyed this very much.

[Mari]

thanks! 💗

[Twilight]

That's an excellent review from Ellis. And, easy to relate with.