On the Beach

The seaweed gathered on the shore
tangled among the stones with broken shells
and pieces of glass, polished smooth.
A crab, waiting for the tide, scampered
to a safe corner of a small pool to hide
and peeked to see if I was moving on.
I carefully stepped from stone to stone
as a young boy hopped quickly by
and I thought of those less cautious days
while planning the six more steps
that lead to the safety of the sand.
In summer, blankets and towels
cover the beach like an eclectic quilt.
There, smiling, I recalled those times years ago
when the lusty days of summer
made winter fly with anticipation, but
on this October morn, I find  
peace in this near solitude.
Perhaps I'll come again tomorrow
before winter makes me wait 'til spring
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Delaney Avatar
October 18, 2019 at 9:58 AM
Nothing like the seashore. I was right in the moment with you. Good to read your words again. Congratulations. SuZ
Mcgee Avatar
September 14, 2019 at 7:37 AM
I love fall days at the beach...you captured the moment beautifully. congratulations on your top placement.
Kendrick Avatar
September 11, 2019 at 8:32 AM
Ahhh!! The deserted beach. Creative lines from your pen. I enjoyed reading your winning work. Sara
Dietrich Avatar
September 10, 2019 at 4:54 PM
CRaig, I really like this. It is actually my own "style" when I do try to write free verse (not always but sometimes i write this way). Of all the poems on the winner list, it looks the most like a poem I might have written, if that makes any sense to you. Congrats for your win.
Lawless Avatar
September 9, 2019 at 5:48 PM
HEY...I musta read this by mistake before judging the contest as I see I commented on it earlier.....well, a good read is a good read no matter how often it is read. Thanks for participating in the contest Craig.
Delaney Avatar
August 23, 2019 at 4:59 PM
I am reading this with my Homedics sound machine set to OCEAN. Great effect. I love the two closing lines,..I have been missing the sound of waves lately. Their infinite wash. I know I’ll sleep well tonight with this new acquisition. Smiles, SuZ
Hamilton Avatar
August 23, 2019 at 10:58 AM
Very eloquently phrased Craig. I am enjoying your free verse writes, a nice departure from the structure of sonnets.
Michael Avatar
August 23, 2019 at 5:20 AM
Enjoy it while you can...precious moments are not to be denied...Nice write
Adams Avatar
August 22, 2019 at 4:19 PM
i always find solitude in the rise of sun as it reflects in pink tones above the breaks of waves, you paint the scene so beautifully it makes me wish i was at the beach right now...i can almost hear the gulls as they scurry along and taste the salty air.... beautiful write Craig, love it! :) hugs
Lawless Avatar
August 22, 2019 at 3:12 PM
Cold water, dim sun, and windswept seagulls sans french fries....AAAHHHH October at the beach
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