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An Early Morning Walk On the Beach

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I awoke after hearing a noise on the roof of the cottage, it sounded like a couple of seagulls, probably fighting over a piece of bread. I was wide awake now and looked over at the clock, it said 04.00, and I decided to go for an early morning stroll on the beach and catch the sunrise. First things first, a cup of coffee to start the day, I opened the front door closing it quietly as I went out so as not to wake the rest of the family who had slept through our early morning visitors. I made my way down the boarded path that would take me to the beach, the sun had not yet risen and there was coolness in the air and I was sorry that I had not brought a light jacket with me. Undaunted I carried on down the path with dunes to the left and right of me, marram grass grew in clumps on each risen dune. Looking upwards towards the west I noticed a few stars still visible in the darkish patch of sky but it would not be long before they disappeared from view. I continued on and then I was aware of a sound that I had heard many times before, it grew louder as I walked down the path and I stopped for a moment to listen to it, Yes!, it was the unmistakable sound of waves crashing on the shoreline, such a soothing sound I thought; the relaxing sound of the ocean. I reached the end of the boarded path and the view I witnessed would stay with me forever and I just stood in total awe and wonder, a golden orb was starting to rise on the eastern horizon above the ocean, it blinded me for a moment and I looked away then turned back to look at it peripherally, at the spectacle, the birth of a new day. There were seagulls squawking in the distance providing me with an audible reminder of where I was, I carried on walking along the smooth white sand that had a scattering of little brown and white shells here and there. A girl out for an early morning jog lifted her arm to give me a good morning wave; I waved back and continued to the waters edge enjoying the beautiful moment of the sun rising. I walked along and at least an hour had gone by since I had set out, by now the sun was warming me up and I just knew today was going to be a scorcher later on. I love these early morning walks where I feel that I have got the whole world to myself, but all good things come to an end and now more people were starting to arrive to share my world, joggers and people walking their dogs, it was starting to get busy. There were friendly exchanges and smiles and I couldn't help but wonder if it had been a busy street in a city would we even have seen each other, in modern living today it would seem that people do not have a second to spare and any delay , however small would interrupt their already busy schedule. My deep thoughts were interrupted by Mozarts piano concerto 21 , my cell phone ring tone, I answered and it was my daughter Hayley to inform me that everyone was up and breakfast would be served in about half an hour. I about turned, quickening my pace and began the walk back to our holiday cottage. Yes, I thought, breakfast, the second best thing to happen this morning and the day was only just beginning. Written 13th March 2018 For best free verse poetry contest Sponsored By Chantelle Ann Cooke.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 8/28/2020 2:40:00 PM
Tom, Love this journey to the beach . I enjoyed taking it with you and experiencing all of the details and nuance of the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of daybreak . Thank you . I had a chance to ride in your pocket !
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/28/2020 3:59:00 PM
Thank you very much Susan, its a place that I love to go to, the earlier the better. Tom
Date: 6/22/2020 1:34:00 AM
This is a masterpiece Tom! Glad I got to read it from you. I love how beautifully you have captured the serenade of waves and solitude and the intermingled sounds of seagulls flying afar. This is a fave for me. Congratulations on your win :)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/22/2020 3:38:00 AM
Thank you Aditi, it's a great place to raise your spirits and you feel you have it all to yourself. Tom
Date: 6/21/2020 7:05:00 PM
I enjoyed the solitude of the beach stroll and the glorious sunrise with you, Tom.. so vivid, captivating and intimate was the imagery of your beauty embracing poem. Congratulations on your excellent win with this marvelous piece. Warmest wishes always, my friend.. ~Susan
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/22/2020 3:37:00 AM
Thank you Susan, I like nothing better than to get down to the beach when I'm away to enjoy the sun rising over the sea and the solitude and peace, so uplifting. Hope you're well Tom
Date: 6/19/2020 2:02:00 PM
Very descriptive of the sights and sounds of a beach walk, Tom. An activity I enjoy as well with that soul-soothing sound of ocean waves and seabirds. Congrats on your well-deserved win in this free verse. John
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/19/2020 2:26:00 PM
Thank you John, there's no place better than the beach and ocean to charge ones spirit. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Tom
Date: 6/19/2020 1:52:00 PM
I see my comment below and how I had thought this was one of your best writes back in 2018. You chose VERY well in Chantelle's contest. Congrats to you, Tom.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/19/2020 2:24:00 PM
Thank you very much for your return visit Andrea, Enjoy your weekend. Tom
Date: 2/9/2020 5:58:00 AM
Wow Tom this is really wonderful and it took me to this special place too! There is nothing nicer than to watch the sunrise with the music of the sea and peace and tranquillity all around - paradise! Many congrats on your placement in Brian's contest. With kindest thoughts Ann xx
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/9/2020 6:31:00 AM
Thank you very much Ann, I knew you would understand this one. Sadly not today we'd take off lol. Tom
Date: 7/11/2018 6:18:00 PM
This is terrific, Tom! Great scenery and I have visualized this as I read it...Fantastic! Charlie
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 7/12/2018 3:05:00 AM
Thank you very much Charlie, happy you enjoyed it. Tom
Date: 6/23/2018 6:32:00 PM
OH, Tom, here is another of yours I have not seen. It's so full of glad feeling that you have to meet this beautiful day. Wow, makes me wish i lived by the shore. I Would LOVE it. One of your best writes!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/24/2018 1:31:00 AM
Thank you very much Andrea, I enjoyed writing this one,I'm happy you liked it. Tom
Date: 3/25/2018 11:55:00 PM
I do not usually take a walk with the writer, but I did today and it was delightful. Thank you!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/26/2018 1:57:00 AM
Thank you very much Caren, I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Tom.
Date: 3/19/2018 12:46:00 PM
Life's natural most beautiful distractions to re-connect with captured so elegantly..beautiful write, Tom
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/19/2018 2:57:00 PM
Thank you Melissa, yes indeed they are beautiful distractions' Glad you enjoyed it. Tom
Date: 3/15/2018 10:58:00 AM
I enjoyed reading that. It has given me hope that holiday season isn't too far away and you can't beat the coast and the sound of the waves! :-)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/15/2018 11:25:00 AM
Glad you enjoyed it Lisa. Tom
Date: 3/14/2018 6:06:00 PM
This is very special and beautiful. I enjoyed reading it and thank you for sharing this experience :)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/14/2018 10:37:00 PM
Thank you very much Heidi, I'm pleased you enjoyed it Tom.
Date: 3/14/2018 9:46:00 AM
You live in a beautiful place like the Cotswolds and you do not explore??? There are some great beaches in the UK and some bad ones too... Glad you got to experience a beautiful coastline.. loved your poem...
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/14/2018 9:55:00 AM
Thanks S.O. You've put me to shame, funny though when I used to live in B'ham we used to come out this way a lot, when the weather improves I promise I'll explore more.
Date: 3/14/2018 7:51:00 AM
It's funny - I live in a place known for its great beaches, but I seldom go to them. I do enjoy walking around the neighborhood, though. Thank you for this well-written reminder to get out there one of these mornings!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/14/2018 8:18:00 AM
Thank you. Indeed you do Amy, was in California a few years ago and I was amazed at the beautiful coast line you have.I know what you mean though I live on the edge of the Cotswolds in the UK, and must admit don't get out and explore like I should. Set a date and enjoy your walk. Tom
Date: 3/14/2018 3:29:00 AM
You described this scene so well Tom, how lucky to be able to get away from it all ever so often, especially with the family. Enjoy yourselves....Maria
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/14/2018 4:42:00 AM
Thank you Maria, there is no better place than the beach, even better with the family. tom
Date: 3/14/2018 2:20:00 AM
My kind of dawn, Tom. Living so far from any coastline (Etwall, just down the road, is furthest from the sea) I treasure visits to the seaside and hungrily devour good seaside poems. And this is one of them. A fave for me, thanks. Regards, Viv ps- see my poem 'Sheringham'
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/14/2018 3:21:00 AM
Thank you Viv, I'm glad you enjoyed it , we always fancied retiring to the coast but got as far as Worcestershire lol. Heading over to Sheringham now. Tom
Date: 3/13/2018 7:13:00 PM
What an enchanting way to start the day Tom; I can just picture the whole beach scene! A very enjoyable soothing and mellow write Tom!~Che :)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/14/2018 2:01:00 AM
Thank you Cheryl, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Tom
Date: 3/13/2018 11:10:00 AM
You might not know it but my spirit trod your footsteps, thankful for the realm of virtual reality. The sun, resting on the horizon, waiting on your appreciation, now moves on. The gulls, the shells, the crashing of the North Atlantic Ocean, oblivious to all but you. Like walking down a crowded street, you feel and see what others cannot, the lonely weed surviving, all the unnecessary chiding, just thoughts.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/13/2018 2:09:00 PM
Wow that is one great poem Mick ,one in its own right, really impressive. There's something about an empty beach early morning. At one with nature.
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Mick Talbot
Date: 3/13/2018 11:11:00 AM
In real time your on the beach, delighting in the sounds, the views of nature! Solitude, broken by a smile, a hello, as a jogger passes you by. Your phone, your daughter beckoning, breakfast time, you look back as you leave the wonders of the beach, knowing you have again imbibed of natures libation, you walk home... Mick
Date: 3/13/2018 10:41:00 AM
What a lovely pace... slow and peaceful!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/13/2018 2:06:00 PM
It is Kim, have done that many a time as I'm a real early bird.

Book: Shattered Sighs