Sam Kauffman Poet Free verse

Oceana

Oceana

Oceana flings her sequined petticoats
Upon the sands as if to toss the seaweed 
From the swirling edges
While she dances with the wind
With each turn she swings her skirts
In thunder
As she passes – faster, faster -
Until her laughter foams upon the waves
And in the early midnight dawns
She turns to cover up 
Her turquoise evening gown
With capes of fog so thick
The soaring gulls seem to carry
This her summer train
To quickly change into a dress of silver satin,
Bound with trims of frothy sprays,
Rising and swelling,
When morning reaches for windy afternoons,
She teases sudden lightning outbursts
Leaving behind upon the outstretched strands
A foaming lace of pearls
That decorate her new rippling dress
Of brilliant sapphire blue
Drawing it around the world in flowing currents
To follow, ever follow, the lilting music
Of her lover moon,
Softly singing enchanted melodies,
Ever beckoning his earthbound bride unto himself
To watch her gaily waltz upon the rolling seas
Circling to his rune. 

8-22-25
3rd - Rob Carmack Premiere VIII

6-29-22 - N/A
Contest: Marathon Mile Five
Sponsor: Mark Toney

8-13-22 -
5th - Poetry Marathon Mile 12
Sponsor: Mark Toney

6/20/19
On Top 100 All Time Poems list
1st - Trophy Win - Juliet Lingon
1st - Julia Ward 11/29/20
1st - Brian Strand 1/14/20
Featured Poem 5/2/21
Included in Poetry Soup Anthology #2 - It's Still Poetry
Included in CWC Anthology - First Prize Winner Independent Publishers Award
                                                         Indie Press Awards

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Howard Kerr August 25, 2025 at 2:22 PM Hi Sam, Congratulations on your triumph in this and others contests on merit, gifted lyricism, and vastly superior skilled writing. A work of magnificent sweep, inventive imagery, and peerless scene portraits. Howard

Susan Ashley August 23, 2025 at 8:39 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, it is indeed a pleasure to return to re-read your exquisite poem once again and share my enthusiastic congrats with you! I am ever enchanted by your Oceana verse and applaud the many awards and accolades this beautiful poem has garnered. Congratulations, my dear poetry sis, for your success in Rob's contest! Your golden pen continues to outshine the summer sun. I'm thrilled and honored to share the podium with you. Warmest wishes sent on glitzy rolling seas.. ~Susan

Crystol Woods August 22, 2025 at 12:25 PM This work has been judged within an inch of it's life! It is a great poem... worthy of all praise. Congratulations! Xo Sam Kauffman August 22, 2025 at 2:19 PM Hi Crystol! Thank you for your note of congratulations and your lovely feedback! And, yes, Oceana has quite a history. I am thrilled to be her author. Once in a great while we get to create a poem like Oceana. Makes all of the effort worth it. I am honored and it is an honor to be among the winners. Sending you blessings of summer joy!

Sotto Poet August 22, 2025 at 11:21 AM The shifting hues of Oceana's spirit, adorned in garments that dance with the winds, find their voice in your artful hands, dear Sam. The ocean, which is a vast and endless muse, enchants the soul with its rhythmic whispers and gentle sway, calming the restless mind and inviting peace, much like the verses you weave. I find great joy in standing beside you upon this stage! Congratulations on your splendid contest win. Sam Kauffman August 22, 2025 at 2:27 PM Dear Lasaad! What an honor to share the podium with you! Thank you for your ever insightful and perceptive feedback! You do have a very special ability to see into the heart of a poem and the way the words work together. I was mesmerized by the ocean's lyricism and movement one day and this poem was born. The ocean became a girlfriend that day changing her clothes for every mood! And, it is also a love story of attraction to the moon that she follows! So grateful for your compliments. Blessings of peacefulness to you!

Rob Carmack August 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM You have married the imagery well. Thanks, and congratulations! Sam Kauffman August 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM Hi Rob, just a quick note to thank you for the opportunity to bring this poem back to a contest and for your placement. I am honored to be among the winners! Oceana is one of my favorite poems. It was written while standing at the Pacific Ocean watching the ocean dance in her many moods and dresses! Blessings and gratitude to you!

Gary Radice August 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM Oceana's mood & wardrobe changes captured in beautiful personification Sam. The ocean can be so mesmerizing; it's been proven that its sounds and movement can help slow down the brain 'waves' and promote relaxation - just like your poem. Great stuff. Cheers - Gary Sam Kauffman September 12, 2022 at 10:34 AM Thank you so much Gary! I agree! The ocean is such an hypnotic experience with its swells and waves and constant moving energy! Thank you so much for your message and your feedback. I am so glad the movement of the ocean came through in this poem. Hope you are well. Cheers!

John Watt August 29, 2022 at 2:52 PM Samba, the championship rings are adding up for the one that I believe is near (or at) the top of the list of your many poetic all-stars! So tickled to sea this one swirl its way into another winner's list with its current of turquoise gowns and foamy pearls. Congrats, dear friend, and keep on inspiring! Tides of blessings ~ your R&Rbro Sam Kauffman September 12, 2022 at 10:28 AM Hi John! I am amazed and delighted with the success of this poem! One never knows what reactions a poem may get. I am so happy that this has been so well received. It has always been one of my favorites and I remember the special, oceanside setting where I wrote it! Looks like the Friars have a good chance at a wild card! Giants have fallen flat. Can't believe season is almost over! Sending you blessings on ocean waves dear friend!

Susan Ashley August 27, 2022 at 9:39 PM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, it is indeed an even more enchanting experience to return and reread this magnificent and magical poem. You capture Oceana’s moody beauty so eloquently. I’m thrilled to share the podium with you, my inspiring poetry sis! Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes sent on the wings of soaring gulls.. ~Susan Sam Kauffman August 29, 2022 at 9:34 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your lovely message flows over me like gentle ocean swells of joy! Sending you my heartfelt gratitude for your beautiful words of feedback that so capture the persona of Oceana - moody, "magical" and mercurial. My husband and I had spent a day at the ocean recently. I watched in sheer wonder as the ocean changed moods like changing dresses for different occasions. It truly was a "magical" experience. It is a blessing indeed to be able to share these mystical moments with you my dear poetry sis! And it is such an honor to place in Mark's contest with so many amazing poems. Blessings to you on magical tides!

Valsa George August 27, 2022 at 9:41 AM Georgeous images ! Oceana is on a catwalk along the ramp wearing dazzling costumes of silver satin and turquois blue. The moon above- her groom is watching her in great admiration. Beautiful composition. No wonder this poem has heaped so many accolades ! Congratulations, dear Sam !

Mark Toney August 26, 2022 at 9:16 AM Sam, this is exquisite! How creative to describe Oceana's elegantly expressive costume changes (I counted 4). My favorite part is "Of her lover moon, Softly singing enchanted melodies, Ever beckoning his earthbound bride unto himself To watch her gaily waltz upon the rolling seas ..." I'll never think of the tide in the same way again! Congratulations on your win on Mile 12 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 13 has already started!

Constance La France August 26, 2022 at 7:57 AM Sam, excellent writing and poem and congratulations on your win in the contest ~ Sam Kauffman August 28, 2022 at 9:36 AM Thank you so much Constance! We spent a day at the ocean when this poem was born. That day the ocean seemed to change moods like a lady changes her clothes for different occasions. I am so happy you enjoyed meeting Oceana. Sending you blessings!

Laura Leiser July 17, 2022 at 6:09 AM Gorgeous poetry, Sam! Exquisite, with a magic appeal of its own. A fave! :) Sam Kauffman July 18, 2022 at 9:58 AM Laura thank you so much! Was at the ocean one afternoon and found myself mesmerized by its changing moods. It was, indeed, a magical experience that I hoped I could translate into a poem. I so appreciate your affirming feedback. The ocean is a magic place! All the best! Blessings to you!

Beryl Edmonds June 22, 2022 at 1:25 AM A wonderful apparel of the ocean Sam, congratulations for all the honours your poem has received… Belle Sam Kauffman June 22, 2022 at 10:03 AM Thank you so much Belle! I am so grateful for the recognition this poem has received. Had a lot of Heavenly inspiration and help! Occasionally we give birth to a poem with a life of its own. For me, this is one of those poems. I wrote it after spending a day at the ocean. I feel so blessed not only to have written it but the greatest blessing is being able to share it especially with fellow poets on the soup! Your notes and messages are blessings! Thank you! Hope you are doing well. Think of you often. Sending you bunches of blessings!

Timothy Ray April 9, 2022 at 7:32 PM i lived on the ocean in Mexico for a couple of years and this poem so expresses that time in beautiful lines....the most magical experience is when the full moon retires on a silver path beneath the horizon Sam Kauffman April 12, 2022 at 11:44 AM Thank you so much Timothy. We live close to the ocean - always a source of moving inspiration. I wrote this after a day at the beach when the ocean's moods seemed to change minute by minute. I agree - moonlight on the perpetual movement of the ocean is a magical experience! I see you are new to "the soup." Welcome. So nice to meet you. All the best.

Lonna Blodgett March 7, 2022 at 7:04 PM I am so glad that I took the time to read this most beautiful depiction of my love for the ocean! Thanks Sam. Lonna Sam Kauffman April 12, 2022 at 11:47 AM Lonna! I can't believe I missed your lovely note!!! :( Thank you for your beautiful message. The ocean is truly a place of magic, mystery and inspiration! Sending you blessings. Happy Easter!

Susan Ashley May 31, 2021 at 7:56 PM My dear rhyme time friend, I am ever enchanted by your dreamy artistry. Lush and luscious imagery ebbs and flows in the moods of Oceana across the sandy expanse of my imagination bringing me to the center of this piece and to the brilliant core of your creativity. Your golden pen shines with the soulful beauty of your heart's fantasy, dear Sam. Congratulations with your trophy win for this masterwork and for your win in Juliet's contest. Warmest wishes and hugs sent on rolling waves.. ~Susan Sam Kauffman June 4, 2021 at 1:23 PM Dearest Rhyme Time friend, I sail upon your gracious words likes waves upon Oceana's flowing tides with an exuberance filling my sails powered by your humbling words! Thank you for filling me with the winds and tides of inspiration and encouragement. You give my pen wings to soar! I so love your inspired, anointed poems. So grateful for your note of congratulations. Sending you prayers and hugs on tides of great affection!

Paula Goldsmith May 25, 2021 at 10:33 AM Congratulations on your win. What a creative story/write. "Beautiful" Have a blessed day.................. Sam Kauffman May 25, 2021 at 11:08 AM Thank you so much dear friend. The ocean, and her moods, were such a fun inspiration for this poem. Blessings on your week and very creative pen.

Ken Rone May 24, 2021 at 2:16 PM Congratulations on your win with this fine piece! Great work and well deserved. Sam Kauffman May 25, 2021 at 11:05 AM Hi Ken! Thank you for your congratulations. So glad you liked it. The inspiration came from many hours being hypnotized by watching the waters of Puget Sound in all seasons and weather! Hope you are doing well. Go Dawgs! We watched the collegiate rowing competition. Was fun to see the Dawgs take the PAC 12 championship and be rated #1 in the country.

Juliet Ligon May 23, 2021 at 5:39 PM Congratulations, Sam! I love your beautiful personification. Sam Kauffman May 25, 2021 at 11:01 AM Hi Juliet. Thank you! So grateful for your contest, placement of this poem and the opportunity to re-introduce Oceana and her wardrobe. The ocean has always been a deep source of inspiration. Congratulations to the other winners - so many creative and unique writes I am deeply honored by your placement of Oceana. Sending you blessings and gratitude.

Malabika Ray Choudhury May 23, 2021 at 3:13 PM Dear Sam, congratulations for the most original poem. It is evocatively beautiful! The images are fascinating! Love ~ Mala Sam Kauffman May 25, 2021 at 10:55 AM Thank you dear friend! The ocean has always had a mesmerizing effect for me, almost hypnotic. One day I saw the woman dancing and Oceana was born. I so appreciate your visits and empowering messages! Much love and a hug, Mala. Blessings.

JC Brul February 3, 2021 at 9:03 AM Wow! Now I don't wonder why this got a trophy. Belated congratulations...stunning imagery!! A fave!! Sam Kauffman February 5, 2021 at 1:05 PM Hi JCB! Thank you for your visit - always an uplifting time and so appreciated! So honored by your fav and congratulations. I do love the many powerful moods of the ocean that create such vivid pictures for me. Warm wishes to you and blessings!

John Hamilton November 30, 2020 at 8:40 AM I love the imagery you painted, and the metaphor of a woman changing dresses according to the mood, I found this on the top 100 all time, at 100, congrats on all the accolades, with more to come. A fave for me! Sam Kauffman December 2, 2020 at 1:27 PM Wow! Thank you John for letting me know. Haven't looked at the list in a while. For me, Oceana, and her "moods," is a constant source of inspiration. So honored by your fav. Many thanks - blessings of "note" coming your way!

Andrea Dietrich November 29, 2020 at 12:00 AM How absolutely beautiful, Sam. Big congrats on number one! Sam Kauffman November 29, 2020 at 10:25 AM Andrea, thank you my friend! I am always inspired by the many moods of lady Ocean. Hope all is well. Sending you blessings of the season!

John Watt November 28, 2020 at 9:12 PM It was so wonderful to read this one again, Sam! Your painting of the sea with her magnificent wardrobe is so delightful to drink in and savor. So happy for you taking a 1st place with this in Julia's contest. Enjoy your Sunday, dear friend. Sam Kauffman November 29, 2020 at 10:21 AM Many thanks my friend! There is something irresistible about the beauty of the ocean. You are so blessed to be able to see her from your office! I so appreciate your message and your lovely words of congratulations! Sending you waves of blessings all dressed up for this season of preperation starting today!

Richard Evans November 28, 2020 at 9:00 PM Congrats my friend. Great poem especially the line "To follow, forever follow, the lilting music Of her lover moon." Sam Kauffman November 29, 2020 at 10:12 AM Hello Ricky! Thank you for your congratulatory message. I am so glad you like this poem. The relationship of the ocean and the moon just seems like a love story to me. Hope you are well my friend. Take care!

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