John Watt Poet Sonnet

Notes About The Poem

Salt Water

When brainwaves strive against my need for sleep,
I exercise to help my mind calm down.
When pressures get so bad I want to weep,
I do yard work or jog a while through town.
A dear pet or a loved one's home going -
out come the tissues, dabbing at moist eyes.
When sharp pains jolt with an electric zing,
the crying helps the sting depressurize.
When I feel insignificant or small,
the ocean waves provide a balm for me.
When life's injustice casts a darkened pall,
I pray to God as sun sets on the sea.
   Salt water is the cure for anything:
   my sweat, my tears, the sea - to these I cling.


"The cure for anything is salt water: 
sweat, tears, or the sea"      ~ Isak Dinesen


written 14 Sep 2020

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Sam Kauffman October 2, 2020 at 7:15 PM What a lovely poem, John. It is so transparent - so relatable. It does remind me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Windex. But I like this much better! Well deserved win. Congrats and kudos. Going to find a little pool of salt water! Sam Kauffman October 3, 2020 at 7:55 PM My go to when traveling or to save off colds is Zicam - zinc! The only Time I didn't fish it out of my luggage I got sick and almost lost my voice. Learned my lesson! John Watt October 2, 2020 at 8:52 PM Ha, Windex! I should always carry some salt water in a spray bottle! Thank you, Sam.

John Hamilton October 2, 2020 at 10:56 AM Nice one John, was surprised this was yours, congrats on a nice placement! John Watt October 2, 2020 at 1:38 PM Thanks for giving this a second life, John. Enjoy your weekend, my friend ~ John

Andrea Dietrich September 20, 2020 at 2:50 PM I hope I am caught up now with your poems again. Yikes, things go so fast!! John Watt September 20, 2020 at 3:28 PM Thank you, Andrea. You are such a supportive poetry friend!

Brandy Nicole September 15, 2020 at 8:28 PM "The cure is tears" I broke it down, because tears have gotten me through so many moments. Different emotions are associated with tears. Happy, sad, surprised.. etc. "When I feel insignificant or small" So many times this thought lingers- within all of us. We all make a splash, in some way. Make a difference in this world. Thank you for being here, for being you. :) Hugs, Brandy John Watt September 15, 2020 at 8:48 PM Yes, the tear ducts are the portal to so many emotions. I'm glad this resonates with you, Brandy. Your comment is so thoughtful and encouraging. Thankful for friends like you. Hugs ~ John

Jan Allison September 15, 2020 at 1:48 PM John I prefer not to be in the sea water but i love the healing properties of your poem and the tranquility it brings to the reader:-) hugs Jan xx John Watt September 15, 2020 at 3:35 PM I hope it was not from a trauma you suffered. I imagine living on an island as you do, there is much activity around you having to do with the sea. Thank you for the visit and your always encouraging words, Jan. Hugs ~ John

Andrea Dietrich September 15, 2020 at 1:33 PM Cool concept, John, the salt water title was so intriguing! and I love the quote at the end of it. you are getting the hang of it really well now. just using sonnet form for all kinds of topics! About Ollyver, I forgot to tell you. Since his nicname was Olly (the way I pronouced it EE) I thought it would be cute to write his name as Ollyver instead of Oliver. John Watt September 15, 2020 at 3:36 PM I saw this quote recently, and the three-part nature of it made me think it might fit nicely into a sonnet. Thanks for the support, and for explaining about your favorite pooch's name.

Regina Mcintosh September 15, 2020 at 5:36 AM A wonderful write, friend. I love it and it is oh, so true!!! Love it and a fave :) God bless you John Watt September 15, 2020 at 8:58 AM Thank you my friend for such a positive review. God bless you today.

Victor Buhagiar September 15, 2020 at 1:27 AM Salt is the main ingredient for our sores. It even relaxes us when we swim. ~~ John Watt September 15, 2020 at 8:47 AM True, it is so relaxing to be in. Thank you for the read and comment, Victor.

Jenna Logan September 14, 2020 at 11:07 PM We have more buoyancy in salt water, and being in the vastness of the ocean, makes us seem small. Perhaps minimizing our troubles. Pensive thoughts, John. John Watt September 14, 2020 at 11:17 PM Thanks for the lovely comment, Jenna. I do enjoy floating in the ocean much more than sinking in a pool!

Susan Woodrow September 14, 2020 at 9:15 PM considering we are mostly salt water, is it any wonder? I love the ocean and it is my cure for most things..esp. like your last line..so true :) John Watt September 14, 2020 at 10:38 PM Yes, there's something comforting about salt water. I gargle with it when I have a sore throat, it feels good in my eyes, and it's healing on cuts and scratches. Thanks for the visit and lovely comment, Susan.