From My Diary: Nature

Santa Barbara, Summer 2017

Monday
I walked on the bluffs above the sea.
Orange poppies bloom in the dunes.
I discovered
the labyrinth:
smooth stones spell the path.
Peaceful pilgrimage.

Tuesday
Walked on the beach and smelled:
Tar from the oil seeps,
fennel,
coastal sage,
eucalyptus.
And, of course, the sea.

Wednesday
Hiked in the foothills.
The grass is brittle and yellow; 
the land sizzles.
Spiky shrubs,  spiny scrub oak.
The chaparral is ready
to burst into flames.

Thursday
The eucalyptus trees 
on Ellwood Mesa
are dying
from the drought.
Where will the butterfly sleep?

Friday
The sandpipers
hurry to the surf, neck forward, 
to peck with long bills.
They scurry inland before the next wave
as if they are afraid
to get their feet wet.
Snowy plovers skitter
like cotton balls on wheels.

Saturday
The infinite ocean
under an infinite sky.
A white S among the reeds,
the egret can teach me
poise and patience.

Sunday
Found a piece of seaglass.
Translucent blue,
The edges smooth
Worn by water,
Sanded down.
Beauty from adversity.
I think I will write a poem about it.


November 1, 2017
For contest: From my Diary
Sponsored by Broken Wings
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gauthier Avatar
September 17, 2018 at 1:34 PM
Back with congrats - awesome share.
Breedt Avatar
November 30, 2017 at 12:29 AM
Hi Agnes, excellent descriptions leave a picturesque image on the mind.
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:23 AM
Thank you, Jannie.
De Beaulieu Avatar
November 28, 2017 at 7:52 PM
Angnes you wrote a beautiful poem. I enjoyed reading your poem. Have a nice evening my friend.
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:24 AM
Thank you, Darlene.
Gauthier Avatar
November 24, 2017 at 8:43 PM
Wonderful style. Beautifully done, Agnes.
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:26 AM
Thank you, Line.
Allison Avatar
November 19, 2017 at 6:44 PM
dropping back with my congrats Agnes:-) hugs jan xx
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:28 AM
thanks, Jan.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 9:33 AM
Back for more :) Did I mention I love This? xomo
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:33 AM
Thanks so much, Maureen.
Dietrich Avatar
November 9, 2017 at 7:46 PM
BIG congrats. WEll deserved.
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:33 AM
Thanks, Andrea.
Delaney Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 7:16 PM
Congratulations Agnes on your beautiful nature musings. Your observations read like a field guide. I love it.
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:30 AM
Thank you, Suzanne.
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 4:30 PM
I am so happy to see this receive a high placement Agnes. Congratulations! : )
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:33 AM
Thank you, Connie.
La France Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 12:22 PM
Agnes, congratulations on your win in my contest, I loved the page from your diary !
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:33 AM
Thank you so much for my win, Constance - so glad you liked my poem.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 7:55 AM
Back to congratulate you. A worthy win!
Krampe Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 11:35 AM
Thank you, Richard.
Wigley Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 12:56 AM
Beautiful piece, your descriptive talents are hugely impressive. Congrats on your win! Viv x
Krampe Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 6:10 PM
Thank you for your kind words, Viv.
Nusker Avatar
November 7, 2017 at 10:25 PM
So beautifully written. Enjoyed it thoroughly, Agnes. Congratulations!!
Krampe Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 6:09 PM
Thank you, Afzal.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 6, 2017 at 2:55 PM
What a wonderful week you portrayed. I enjoyed your piece Agnes.
Krampe Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 6:09 PM
Thank you, Richard.
Dietrich Avatar
November 5, 2017 at 7:27 PM
Agnes, this is SO creative , well crafted, clever, and beautiful. FAVE
Krampe Avatar
November 8, 2017 at 6:09 PM
Thanks so much, Andrea.
Michaels Avatar
November 4, 2017 at 5:11 AM
Lovely write, Agnes. I recognise the reference in the first stanza to one of your other pieces!! Good luck in the contest. Regards, John.
Krampe Avatar
November 4, 2017 at 6:57 AM
Thank you, John; I am very flattered that you remembered that poem.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
November 3, 2017 at 5:38 AM
I love this Agnes! Every line, absolutely wonderful. My best to you in the contest! Bless :) xomo
Krampe Avatar
November 3, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Thank you very much, Maureen.
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 1, 2017 at 11:02 PM
I think that this poem is brilliant Agnes! I expect to see it in the top three if not in First place! I love it! : )
Krampe Avatar
November 3, 2017 at 6:59 AM
Thank you so much, Connie.
Allison Avatar
November 1, 2017 at 5:36 PM
what fabulous detail in your diary pages and i especially loved Sunday as our friend's daughter has recently done a talk on a voyage she made with her partner from our island to Antigua and he proposed to her after the journey. she collected 2 pieces of sea glass (one piece is blue) and had them crafted into her silver engagement ring:-) hugs jan xx
Krampe Avatar
November 1, 2017 at 5:44 PM
Thank you, Jan. I do not keep a real diary, but I carry a small notebook to record observations and phrases to use in poems. This diary poem is adapted from the notes I took this summer, and all seven days found their way into separate poems.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace