Walking by the Sea

                       

Walking by the Sea

To Gwynneth

 

 

                 Walking by the sea

                 is all about continuity.

                 Mechanically,

                 the path is straight for miles

                 with a cliff to the left,

                 a swell and break of waves to right,

                 but I can only see a future

                 a hundred yards or so ahead.

 

                 Each step takes me further

                 from you, into my own oblivion,

                 but my myopic view

                 makes me turn

                 long before perspective

                 brings cliff, path and sea together

                 on the horizon.

 

                 But I can feel the change.

                 The more tides I walk

                 will stretch the elastic tether,

                 lift my chin

                 and lengthen my stride.

               

 

                

Author's Note

Gwynneth, my wife of 46 years, died in 2011

Reviews

[icelandicblue]

It is a beautiful and touching poem. I felt that path and horizon waiting to meet. The tether stretches but never breaks, you are tethered for eternity. I felt your love in this piece.

[Pete Langley]

Thanks so much, love. I`m so glad you liked it. Sorry I`m late with this. P.

[Seashell]

Bless you
One can feel the distance and pain in your writing
Thank you for sharing
Babs x

[Pete Langley]

Hi Babs,
Thank you kindly, ma`am....and for your visit. P.

[Einstein Noodle]

brings me to tears Peter! i lost my wife in 1989 (she was 30 yrs old) we were together for 13 yrs ... i love your closing .. one can not be lost walking the shoreline .. love to you man!
E.

[Pete Langley]

Thanks, Gene,
I`ve had long conversations with my main mentor - a superb poet called Helena Nelson - about trying to attempt truly personal poetry ( I`ve always had a certain reticence ) and this, with her help with syntax, is probably as near as I`ve come succeeding.

[Einstein Noodle]

read it again .. so lovely with thoughts and feelings .. walks along the coasts a healing balm .. :(
E.

[Gerald Parker]

A brave and eloquent undertaking, Pete. It reminded me of Douglas Dunn's "Elegies."
Gerald.

[Pete Langley]

Thanks Gerry. I`ll read DD`s "Elegies. P.

[Donald Meikle]

It brings us all together with life Pete and the tether stretches forever.

[Pete Langley]

It never breaks, Don.....just takes a while before you realise you CAN stretch it - that`s all. Thanks mate. P.

[Coyote Poetry]

The good description took me to a good place and thoughts. I like long walks near the sea. The music of the waves allow us to think and meditate on life. Thank you for sharing your outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Pete Langley]

Thanks so much for your thoughts, Coyote. P.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome.

[Leigh]

I love this Peter its so natural and flowing, you have the ability to write your feelings and with such perfect fluidity

[Pete Langley]

Yes, this was sort of cathartic, this one, Leigh. Glad you liked it, mate. P