Scything Shells

Flippers so languidly beat
As mates float in the deep
Coupling dreamily on a lazy tide

And when it is time
She shall lie
Upon a secret hollow

Known only to her
And the King of tides
To pledge her young before a setting sun

And when it is time
They will rise from a sandy womb
To begin their panic in search of the sea

Sculling and skittling they
Inch their shells
Scything sand at terror

From swooping gulls
And cranky crabs
To giant hands that hold no pity

Yet those that nose
The frothy sea first
Begin a quest that will ultimately test

These gentle souls
To the brink of damnation
Upon oceans deep
And yet we weep

And yet we weep…


Poetry Contest “Turtles”
Sponsored by Cyndi MacMillan
Aug 2014
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Deschler Avatar
June 16, 2015 at 10:55 PM
I can tell from your poems that you love and truly care for nature... This is a beautiful and creative piece, Mark. I enjoyed it very much! Congrats on a great win!
A  Avatar
June 11, 2015 at 4:13 PM
MARK, :-) Congratulations with your wonderful win! *SKAT*
Lamoureux Avatar
June 11, 2015 at 8:16 AM
Well told story! Congrats!
Sietesantos Avatar
June 10, 2015 at 7:13 PM
What a beautiful moving piece this is, Mark! It is just a brilliant write with awesome imagery - no wonder it is one of your favorites and also a top-of-the-class winner! It deserves a solid "7!" Congratulations, my friend!!! Pandita
Trichet Avatar
June 11, 2015 at 12:59 AM
Thanks Pandita
Hamilton Avatar
June 10, 2015 at 6:19 PM
great pen Mark congrats on 2nd place hugs
Trichet Avatar
June 11, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Thanks Shadow
Ayala Avatar
August 9, 2014 at 8:56 AM
Congratulations on your fantastic win. Excellent write! Kika
Nair Avatar
August 9, 2014 at 6:06 AM
Just superb and well-deserving of the first place,Mark..the kind of writing I admire!!
Gibson Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 12:47 PM
Fabulous, Mark; great writing that I truly enjoyed. Congratulations on your top win.
Jerden Avatar
August 8, 2014 at 9:36 AM
Excellent! Well, done, Mark. Congratulations on the top place!
Song Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 1:38 PM
Congratulations on a most amazing write...I can walk with the turtles during their plight to the sea!
Mehta Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 9:30 AM
Wonderful write. Congrats on the win, Mark
Lawless Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 7:40 AM
Congrats on the win Mark
A. Sharma Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 5:30 AM
Very brilliant and excellent write Mark! congrats on top place win!
Chutani Avatar
August 7, 2014 at 3:11 AM
Wonderful write, Mark. congrats on top win. Mohan
Macmillan Avatar
August 6, 2014 at 10:36 PM
Just fantastic. I usually post a winners blog the same night that I judge a contest, however, it took me 3 hours just to judge the contest. I kept studying each line and word... yours touched me in many ways and I was taken by your word choice, line breaks, devices and -- most of all-- imagery. The figurative language is just enough. Original take with scything ... truly good stuff. Congrats on the top win. I will have to wait til tomorrow to congratulate the other winners... goodnight...
Trichet Avatar
August 6, 2014 at 11:14 PM
I'm truly humbled Cyndi and thankyou for your kind words. I have witnessed these special creatures in every facet of their lives. The tears that weep from a mother's eyes as she lays her eggs is certainly uplifting. Thanks for staying up late to judge!
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