Beach Quest

mapping the shoreline

in unsteady increments

half-sunk footprints

a clumsy metric

for navigating grains

threshed to a fraction

then salt-sodden double

foam-flecked shades

washed away

those remnant imprints

never really wandered far

and yet too far to find the way

to reinvent and start again

where they left off before

the same fisherman as yesterday

nods the same hello

perhaps mapless today

over edges we know

we will spy those dragons

or turning

chase the sun

Reviews

[Richard Knox]

Brad, this poem left ma with a contented smile, it’s vivid imagery recalling walks on the beach with my wife and young daughters. Thank you.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

As a Jersey boy, this really struck a cord with me... I spent many days in my youth wandering about the sand and the shore, often cause I had no place to be. "Perhaps mapless today/over edges we know". That line alone! Whew! Thanks for the incredible write!

[Chris Shaw]

The coastline has much to offer. This write is very visual for me. Especially the footprints left in dampened sand conjure up all sorts of possibilities, both positive and negative. I am so happy today so I want to slay all the dragons and focus on the sun. Thanks Brad.

Chris

[Brad Nugent]

Thanks so much for reading, Chris. I love the response and I was definitely aiming for that crossroads between negative and positive action.

[duff]

"mapping the shoreline
in unsteady increments"

Those lines make me grin. On the ocean right now looking out at the ocean with sand between my toes. Really enjoyed reading this.

[Brad Nugent]

Ha. Great timing then. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.

[duff]

You are very welcome.

[Red Brick Keshner]

The spectrum of a coastal moment is always a wide and varied material that lends itself to poetry. Being a beach person as well, this poem draws the reader in and opens up its world with pristine beauty. Thanks for sharing, Brad. /Frederick.

[Brad Nugent]

Thanks, Frederick. Not really a beach person myself, but it is certainly is a setting rich in poetic material. Appreciate you reading.

[Red Brick Keshner]

Even better, Brad! This poem doesn’t betray that.