Laura Leiser Poet Free verse

Summer

Daydreams of summers’ past
are vivid in my mind’s eye…
…sandcastles with moats to build 
beachballs to chase and throw 
loud voices echoing along the beach. 

Salt water, lifeguards and whistles…
…my toes curl through hot summer sand
large, loud waves glisten and crash
in an endless rhythm and flow. 

We ran headlong into the waves
cheap styrofoam boards in hand
recklessly splashing, wet hair dripping 
taking whatever waves we could 
laughing, radiant with joy…
…I miss my sister.

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Rob Carmack September 10, 2026 at 7:02 PM Did not expect that last line, very effective poem. My condolences concerning the loss of your sister. We don't expect to lose a sibling early. It is as though they are not gone, but on vacation. Laura Leiser September 12, 2026 at 10:36 AM Thank you for your condolences, Rob. It was a hard loss, to be sure, but I know she is with the Lord. God bless! :)

Silent One August 27, 2026 at 1:47 PM aww such beautiful memories.... these last even when the ones we share them with are gone.... You described it so tenderly and nostalgically... Beautifully done. Laura Leiser August 29, 2026 at 9:00 AM Thank you, Silent. So happy to you liked this! Will visit your poetry soon! Take care :)

Alison A Smith August 24, 2026 at 11:54 PM Laura, this is a beautifully vivid memory-poem, full of salt, heat, noise, and youthful movement. The free-verse lines roll naturally like the surf, carrying us from the sensory delights of childhood into that wonderfully reckless shared joy in the waves. The final, simple admission—“I miss my sister.”—changes the emotional tide at once, lending all the bright summer detail a tender ache. A lovely and affecting piece. Laura Leiser August 25, 2026 at 7:23 AM Thank you, Alison, for your thoughtful reply to my poem. I appreciate that it struck an emotional chord with you. I was hoping it would have that effect. I will visit your poetry today. Have a good day! :)

Anthony Bianco August 24, 2026 at 1:46 PM Hi Laura, very moving poem. You take the reader on a nostalgic trip to the beach. Then to what you were really missing. I really felt this one. Best wishes Anthony Laura Leiser August 24, 2026 at 5:28 PM Thank you, Anthony. My sister died two years ago and I miss her every day. Thanks for stopping by to comment! :)