I Hug the Ocean More Than Any Tree

From shore to deep, the colors of the sea,
tan sand and white meringue bursting forth.
Can you picture the lovers on the edge
             long after they're gone? 
                    Footprints of fun
                          and frolic.
          The ghost, of bikini and boxers
painted pretty with tropical flowers, on bods.

The ocean wall, an enigmatic blue and sand monster
like a cloudy day sky. It has the look of adventure
                    as it cascades.
                      I want to climb it’s peak,
                         examine it’s underwings.
                Toes sink, knees deep, waist high -
I’m just an earthling enamored with the mystic sea.

When on a cruise deck, and God shut the lights off,
                   except for the moon
                        and stars,
                    I want to lean over -
don’t stop me as I dive with my prayers and imagination
into the frothing lullaby -
                               its rocking,
                                  sloshing,
                                     satisfying.

I hug the ocean more than any tree. It cools me,
surrounds me with
                           danger,
                               love,
                      romance…yes,
swashbuckles me, captures me, and lets me go.

The ocean let Jonah go and so did the great fish,
but I will not let the sea free me so easily. This salt
                            has it in her blood,
                                even standing too close
                                  to the rocks
       near the lighthouse that illuminates a warning.

Mrs. Muir saw the Captain in her dreams, full-bearded -
the cape cottage window open to the endless tide.

The danger now is not sharks nor shipwrecks
but the needles in the sand, the chasing off
of blanketed lovers by the unsavory beach pirates.
                           Us earthlings
             must clean up our ebb and flow.

Illuminate me on pink sands. Draw me into a rapscallion tale.
I shall cross swords on the deck as the sea comes to my rescue.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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

Empress Avatar
September 18, 2023 at 6:35 AM
Beautiful word weaving, your title is so good and so creative! I can resonate and i love the imagery here and especially this line “ the danger now is not in shipwrecks or sharks” so true. Sharks are harmless here, we swim with them. Theres so much more more dangerous. Intriguing and very well crafted write: thank you for writing. Congratulations
Rodrigues Avatar
September 18, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Thank you I.E.! I appreciate you! Hugs
Wolf Avatar
September 17, 2023 at 7:58 PM
Love this one, from the title, right through all the imagery. And after all, trees are for the birds, eh?!
Rodrigues Avatar
September 18, 2023 at 5:25 AM
Thank you, Gershon! :)
Bowring Avatar
September 17, 2023 at 2:52 PM
This is a gorgeous poem Kim full of vivid scenes. Wonderful lines, ‘tan sand and white meringue bursting forth’, ‘into the frothy lullaby’. Splendid! I love the title. Captivating like your poem. So enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing. X :):)
Rodrigues Avatar
September 17, 2023 at 5:36 PM
Thank you, Christina!
Beaufort Avatar
September 17, 2023 at 10:14 AM
Fun to read. We have a planet covered with water. There was a NY Times crossword clue recently about an author who said we should have called the planet "Ocean." It was Arthur C. Clarke. In any case, we have to love it enough to take care of it. I C you (old salt) have that love. It's not a bad thing to love.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 17, 2023 at 10:15 AM
Thank you, Duke! Loved your comment!
Poet Avatar
September 16, 2023 at 8:07 PM
Kim your writing is captivating and filled with vibrant details, drawing readers into an enthralling tale of an oceanic adventure. The title and poem are both enticing and leave readers eager to delve deeper into the story.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 17, 2023 at 10:16 AM
Thank you kindly, Lasaad!
Buhagiar Avatar
September 16, 2023 at 1:19 AM
Magnificent poem, Kim. I know you love cruises and the ocean is in your blood. Well done. Hugs.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 16, 2023 at 6:08 AM
Thank you, my sweet friend! I smile big when your name pops up. I do love the ocean! :)
Fisher Avatar
September 15, 2023 at 5:42 PM
Such a fun adventure of a poem, Kim, on, over, and in the sea. Love the title, too.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 16, 2023 at 6:08 AM
Thank you, David!
Messina Avatar
September 15, 2023 at 5:11 AM
Beautifully written, Kim. Love this!
Rodrigues Avatar
September 15, 2023 at 8:02 AM
Thank you, Charles!
M  Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 10:12 PM
An amazingly beautiful poem Kim…l love it! Debx
Rodrigues Avatar
September 15, 2023 at 8:01 AM
Thanks, Deb!
Baker Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 9:37 PM
Intriguing tale of the oceans adventure, Kim. Nice title and poem. Have a nice day! Bill
Rodrigues Avatar
September 15, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Thank you, Bill!
Brotherton Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 6:12 PM
I love the way you've built in the ebb and flow of your rhythm. The lines, 'The danger now is not sharks nor shipwrecks but the needles in the sand, the chasing off of blanketed lovers by the unsavory beach pirates.' is why I prefer trees. Besides, no one wants to see me in a speedo.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 7:22 PM
LOL to the speedo! Even those that wear one I don’t want to see.
Rolland Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 5:30 PM
very inspiring poem, thanks yann
Rodrigues Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 7:22 PM
Thank you :)
Hind Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 12:05 PM
Nice images; I liked the part of you praying before jumping in... :)
Rodrigues Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 3:47 PM
Thank you, Paige!
Pandit Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 10:02 AM
The ocean wall, an enigmatic blue and sand monster like a cloudy day sky. It has the look of adventure as it cascades---beautifully expressive write, Kim. Oceans are precious for human life.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Thank you, Vijay!
Sharma  Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 9:08 AM
Wow this is such a beautiful oceanic poem that highlights vivid emotions that come associated with the seas and marine worlds.. You've blended the depth so well here with such a mesmerizing use of imagery. "This salt has it in her blood" So beautiful.. Very creatively done!
Rodrigues Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 10:47 AM
Thank you, Hiya!
Rodrigues Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Thank you, Hiya!
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