Sealwatching

Gold cherry
Poem of the week
Pick of the Month

By HarryC

Mon, 10 Jan 2022
  • 3940 reads
21 comments
 

SEALWATCHING

We got close

that near-perfect morning -

the distance between us

across the deck of the boat.

 

(a mile from shore -

far enough from sight)

 

Stepping onto the sandbank,

I offered my hand - and let

it hang.

 

We walked on the edge - the sand

oozing between our toes, my

feet tracing yours print for print.

 

In the windless sun we stood,

shadows apart, watching

their hesitant bodies -

beautiful in a different way -

as they flopped and bobbed

down the dunes to the sea.

 

Idly, I conjectured their aptitude

for sex.

 

Almost close enough to touch.

But not.

 

 

(image - my own)

Certificate 15
Poem
Romance

Comments

Submitted by Turlough on

Aren't they just gorgeous creatures?

Your poem is a great one for describing the thrill, excitement and warm buzz you get from being near them. And we can get so near to them as foolishly they seem to trust the human race.

Turlough

Submitted by HarryC on

Thank you for your kind comment.  I remember that day clearly - though it was 25 years ago!  I'd just split up from the woman who came with me on the boat trip. I was hoping something would be rekindled from it - but sadly not.  Hence the double-meaning in those last lines. 

Oh well...  Not to be! blush

Submitted by Turlough on

Knowing that, I can now see the deeper meaning in the last lines. It makes the poem seem complete.  

Turlough

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Nicely done Harry. Hope you're feeling a bit better now? Is this recently written?

 

Submitted by HarryC on

Thanks, Insert.

It's a recent rejig.  I wrote it years ago, but was never happy about some of the lines. I dug it out this morning and changed a few lines and words.  I'm still hoping to try something new soon.  I have ideas, but my concentration is still chaotic.  I'm hoping my new ADHD meds will help.  An Aspie friend who takes them says they've changed her life.  Fingers crossed! (Giving up Facebook has definitely helped.  It's like a black hole that swallows up so much time.)

I think part of my problem, too, is that I really want to write a novel.  But maybe I'm just not capable of it.  Maybe I should just stick to something shorter.

Thanks for the cherries, eds! Always an encouragement. smiley

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

I will keep everything crossed for the new meds Harry - and those golden cherries are saying write more! Long, short, doesn't matter. Have you tried the new IP?

 

Submitted by HarryC on

Funnily enough, the very last thing I started to write - over 2 years ago - was a short story in which a major fire was going to feature.  I couldn't get it to hang together, though - and am not sure I'd have time.  But I'll look at it tomorrow.  When's the final day for submission? x

 

(and thank you for your encouraging words smiley)

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Well - we change the Inspiration Point every Friday so I guess that's the final day, but don't let that stop you if you're inspired but haven't quite got round to finishing something!

We also really welcome ideas for new Inspiration Points, so if you have any please email them to me!

 

Submitted by onemorething on

A wonderful poem. I always think that when a writer can balance notes of reflection and imagery with sadness or regret alongside a hint of the comic then it adds such depth and humanity. Perfectly poignant. It's our Pick of the Day! Do share on Facebook and Twitter. 

 

Submitted by HarryC on

Very pleased! blush

Submitted by celticman on

watcing and thinking. So much going on, and it all bobbles up. 

 

Submitted by HarryC on

Thanks, mate.  Hope all's good with you.

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

There is lots of texture in this; the smooth dark seals, bright sunshine, mingling with the movement of the sea. There's something friendly and almost human about seals when they're above the water but they become athletic, predatory creatures in a different world beneath the waves. You've conveyed the sense of something just about to slip away so well here. Perfect poem.

 

Submitted by HarryC on

Thanks, Jane.  I must admit my head was on other things at the time wink

I should have been more interested in the seals, really!

Submitted by donignacio on

Lots of context and meaning in here that I seem to unravel the more I skim over the lines. Very nicely done.

 

Submitted by HarryC on

Thank you smiley

Submitted by marandina on

Gorgeous poem and a story well told. I was over on the East Coast a few months back and found out that I had missed out on seeing seals by not walking a few more hundred yards on a beach we visited. I remain gutted.

 

Submitted by HarryC on

Thanks, marandina smiley

Submitted by airyfairy on

This beautiful piece is our Poem of the Week! Congratulations! 

Submitted by HarryC on

Thanks so much.  I'm very grateful. heart

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

This is our Poem of the Month - Congratulations!