The Wake

[Stephen Whiteside]

The Wake

I slipped away from the mourning crowd, and strolled to the sea's soft rim,
In hope of a chance to right my keel, my billowing sails to trim.
My shoes were polished and shining black, but the foam spilled over the toe,
And I breathed deep in, and I breathed deep out, in time with the ocean's flow.

A length of kelp washed back and forth as the waves rolled onto the shore,
While ripples of sand, in long straight lines, rolled out on the ocean floor.
Up by the point a dog barked twice, and its owner hurled a ball,
And I closed my eyes to the great wide world, and tried to absorb it all.

A seagull screeched in the skies above, and I opened my eyes once more.
An oystercatcher padded its way through the smooth wet sand by the shore.
Was that the curve of a dolphin's fin, or is it a trick of my mind?
It sends out a jolt to the back of my eyes, and they find what they're hoping to find.

I gingerly stepped on the rough cast rocks, past pools of water so still.
Adventure's exciting, we know so well, but peace is a greater thrill.
Then a sudden mis-step sent my right foot down in a hollowing deep in the rock,
And I felt a chill, like the grip of a vice, as water splashed over my sock.

Enough. It was time to return once more to the crowd and the murmured grief.
Perhaps I had found what I thought I'd sought, some moments of slight relief.
So I joined a group, and I filled my glass, and I listened with half an ear,
While once again a seagull screeched in the heavens so bright and clear.

© Stephen Whiteside 31.05.2015

[Neville Briggs]

Life and nature always seem so right, death always seems so wrong. Interesting reflection Stephen, good images of the seaside.

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Neville.

[Cropduster]

I know when I go to a funeral, I like to find some time for private reflection, or a brief escape from the grieving and emotion.

This poem captures it beautifully. It may not be by the seaside, but I can find solace by taking in the sights and sounds of natural surroundings.

Thanks Stephen

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Cropduster. Yes, I think that is what I was trying to capture.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Beautifully crafted Stephen - you have captured that reflective moment so well

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thank you, Maureen.

[Vic Jefferies]

One of your best Stephen.

[Heather]

That is an incredibly beautiful poem Stephen and I think it's one of your best too. There are so many images you have captured perfectly. This is a poem I shall read again and again.

Heather

[r.magnay]

Very nice doc. it took me there.