Song of the Ocean

The dark sea heaves, the bright sea sighs,
Swells cup boats in a ballad’s swing,
Or drown birds when they skyward rise.
Always their roars and murmurs ring,
And their echoes to seashells cling.
Timeless tides do tirelessly sound
A castaway’s lonesome refrain
No other hears for miles around.

Whale song in fathomless depths hides,
A soft hymn to a blue domain,
With bright greetings in bass disguise.
To this serenade dolphins bring
Voices gifted to pierce and sing,
Trilling notes for the seabed bound,
A dirge for shipwrecks deeply lain
No other hears for miles around.

Above, a stealthy whaler glides,
On the music is fury trained
That with Poseidon’s tantrum vies.
Into the blue thunder bolts rain,
On white foam leave a crimson stain,
Marking a new burial ground,
And song turns into cries of pain
No other hears for miles around.

Into the air flying fish wing,
Confetti of fright often found,
Fleeing whales’ wails so ghostly faint,
No other hears for miles around.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

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

Kroll Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 7:35 PM
Love your imagery, Bernard. I can feel the vastness and depth of the ocean. Kathy
Chan Avatar
December 2, 2017 at 10:38 PM
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Hagy Avatar
October 25, 2017 at 7:50 PM
So beautiful and tragic...your description of the ocean lured me in to be reminded of the whales (and many other species) merciless demise. Thanks for writing this wonderful piece :)
Chan Avatar
October 25, 2017 at 10:01 PM
Thank you for your kind words, Chris. Glad you liked it :)
Cresswell Avatar
October 23, 2017 at 6:01 PM
your poem has a great heart to it. thank you for sharing it.
Chan Avatar
October 23, 2017 at 9:38 PM
Thank you, Patricia.
Ashley Avatar
October 15, 2017 at 7:17 PM
Wow this is a stunning write Bernard. Always beautiful in your artistry and imagery.., the content is also astounding. Your third verse is so very sad, a poignantly portrayed plight of the magnificent whales. Your lines and word choices simply brim with beauty, sadness and flair; 'confetti of fright', 'whales' wails', 'their echoes to seashells cling', 'swells cup boats'. The refrain is sad and stellar. Amazing!!
Chan Avatar
October 15, 2017 at 9:05 PM
Susan, thanks so much for your lovely words! You're very kind as usual :))
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