Notes About The Poem

Beach Menagerie

At daybreak,  
I approach the beach across a soft hill of clover, 
past sleeping Pandanus palms,
and down a small sand dune.

I am enveloped by sea wind.

I look up to a flight of swallows - symbol of returning.
They occupy the airspace of seagulls.
A kookaburra laughs, somewhere to land-ward,
bringing fond memories of far off bushland. 

A Malamute passes beside me,
pulling a woman on a long leash. 
If she had a small sled she could mush
along this perfect white beach.

Tall lady pines grace the shoreline
their skirts just out of reach of sea water.

Seagulls sit in small conventions pecking free donuts.
They queue up for cups of coffee; I imagine 
their grey wings tucked through Aloha  shirts.
A German shepherd lopes, wolf-like, scatters them,
they swoop out to sea, laughing.
They'll be telling the folks back home
of their close call.

Now the sun's rays have reached the high rises,
awakening diamond fires from glass windows.
On the horizon, sunbeams reach down in straight lines
like sun-pictures from a  child's storybook.

My imagination runs wild but my walk has ended,
as I climb the wooden ramp - back to the street,
alive for what my day holds.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Ashford Avatar
July 24, 2019 at 4:10 PM
Most excellent observational poem. The narrative flows with poetic images. Very cool Suz.
Mays Avatar
July 11, 2019 at 9:47 PM
So expressive, detailed, and beautiful. Takes the reader to the beach, too.
Delaney Avatar
July 12, 2019 at 4:21 PM
This is what my beach walks were like on the Australian Gold Coast. I really miss those mornings. I should find some more of those and post them. I have a whole series of them. Thanks for your encouraging words.SuZ
Waldrop Avatar
July 31, 2016 at 4:18 PM
You weave a story quite well.
Andresen Avatar
August 11, 2013 at 10:22 AM
- Congratulations on having your poem featured on the homepage "Featured Poem of the Week" - Have a nice day. - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)
A   Avatar
August 11, 2013 at 6:45 AM
Hello Suz , '''CONGRATULATIONS''' On your featured poem of the week... Have yourself a nice and beautiful Sunday... -XOX- Love Linda
Varner Avatar
August 8, 2013 at 8:18 PM
What crystalized images! Thanks for sharing.
Jones Avatar
August 8, 2013 at 7:40 PM
Congratulations on this featured poem...I enjoyed it tonight..
Hamilton Avatar
August 7, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Suz this is outstanding so glad I read it congrats on being featured shadow smiles (7)
Arowolo Avatar
August 3, 2013 at 7:30 AM
Lovely piece,Suz...Congrats on your win...
May Avatar
August 2, 2013 at 5:26 AM
I like the imagery in this wonderful write....congrats on a fine win
A  Avatar
August 1, 2013 at 11:17 PM
Suz, .congrats .. LOVE ~SKAT~
A   Avatar
July 30, 2013 at 8:36 AM
Suz,,, , congratulations... with your sweet win... luv.. Linda
Martin Avatar
April 18, 2013 at 7:55 AM
The animals and themes within this work evoke an almost myth-like quality. Great work :)
Harper Avatar
April 8, 2013 at 9:57 PM
Wonderful day for you Suzanne, you brought it alive.
Esquire Avatar
April 5, 2013 at 9:37 PM
Dear Suzanne,Vivid imagery "Tall lady pines,line the shores, their skirts just out of reach of sea water" I live on a mountain with a lake 500 feet behind the cabin, the Blue Spruce's "skirts just out of reach"of fresh wate. I can look out my window and see the Beautiful POETIC Portrait YOU have painted in this Super fine Write.I bow to YOUR talented Pen and the Mind behind it. With LOVE ALWAYS and FOREVER YOUR Eternal Liege...Harry
Moribund Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 2:11 PM
Dear Suzanne: Fantastic poem! Very descriptive. Have a wonderful day.
Delaney Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 11:28 PM
Thanks Sheol
De La Croes Avatar
April 3, 2013 at 12:35 AM
We often find holiness in the wholeness of everydayness, and your poem fills the soul with the fullness which we often take for granted. Thanks for sharing, Suz. David
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