Talking Sands

Here I lie reaching out to other sides
comforting sand surrounds me on every edge
foamy sea washes over me at night,
as the moon's blue light cools my outer body
at the break of day, the sun begins
its daily warming.

I've been here for decades, finished my turn at sea,
lain on many beaches before:
at Vesuvius, the lava scorched the beach, the sea boiled-
at Dunkirk, British soldiers fell-
on Bondi, I recall the crackling Aussie feet throughout the days,
and I was at First Dawn, as well.

Held close by the sand, it all comes back to me.
I will be the sand again one day soon.
The young gaze at me wondering
what I think and where I've been.

My story and yours, we are one.
Pick me up, I feel your touch. 
Marvel at my ancient design,
my winding colors.

Peer into my spiraling chamber.
Hold me close to your ear. 
Hear the voice of the sea.
Ponder what secrets I will reveal.
Muse the concept that you are me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Godwin Avatar
April 1, 2026 at 9:41 PM
MOST COOL. I didn't intentionally come to your first posting but here I landed on a poetic sea. VERY NICE Last stanza, joy totality. I don't know if our pens have ever crossed. Glad I came here tonight.
Gaul Avatar
April 20, 2026 at 1:16 PM
CayCay always nice to have you visit. I remember you and your fine work. Thanks ever so for your cogent commentary.
Goldsmith Avatar
April 6, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your creative write. Great Ending... Have a blessed day/week with your win........
Gaul Avatar
April 20, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Paula, thanks for your visit and sorry for my late response.
Empress Avatar
April 6, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Dear Greg, This isnt just creative and clever how youv woven metaphors, but so soulfully moving too, and touching and i love the way your lines flow from one to another and how youv written "Peer into my spiraling chamber. Hold me close to your ear. Hear the voice of the sea. Ponder what secrets I will reveal. Muse the concept that you are me." excellent ending! So beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Congratulations on your win! Sending you light
Gaul Avatar
April 6, 2025 at 6:52 AM
I am most appreciative for the effort and the essence of your critique. Heartfelt thanks.
Kauffman Avatar
November 23, 2024 at 1:42 PM
Hi Greg, love the personification of the "nautilus" telling its life story. "Build thee more stately mansions oh my soul...and let the oceans roll." Indeed we are always building more spirals in our life. This poem is so visceral "pick me up, I feel your touch." Congratulations on your win, my friend! Sending you Thanksgiving blessings
Davey Avatar
November 23, 2024 at 9:03 AM
Interesting take on the contest subject and you got it right on the nail. Congrats on your placement well deserved
Jones Avatar
November 23, 2024 at 4:48 AM
Congratulations on your top win!
Gaul Avatar
November 23, 2024 at 7:57 AM
Thank you kindly for your comment.
Diderot Avatar
May 25, 2024 at 5:13 AM
"Peer into my spiraling chamber. Hold me close to your ear. Hear the voice of the sea. Ponder what secrets I will reveal. Muse the concept that you are me."
Gaul Avatar
May 25, 2024 at 5:27 AM
It is appropriate for you to use your interpretation. That's a good thing about poetry. Thanks for your comment.
Diderot Avatar
May 25, 2024 at 5:14 AM
could be a shell like mentioned below...I'm more aligned with the "amygdala", the seat of God.
Kauffman Avatar
August 24, 2020 at 4:23 PM
What an introduction to Greg Gaul! This is poetic creativity at the highest level my friend! I couldn't wait to find out who was talking - a seashell - of course! "I was at first dawn," - among many other places - among many memorable lines! Congratulations on your winning placement - well deserved!!!
Kauffman Avatar
August 28, 2020 at 8:05 PM
Greg, is your shell a nautilus! Reminds me of Percy's "build thee more stately mansions, oh my soul."
Gaul Avatar
August 25, 2020 at 3:25 PM
Sam, your comments are on point. Thanks so much for your visit and kind support. Be well.
Andresen Avatar
August 24, 2020 at 4:08 AM
- Congratulations on your win, Greg ... I remember how exciting it was to post my first poem :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Gaul Avatar
August 24, 2020 at 6:19 AM
So kind of you to visit and graciously comment. A little Sunshine in my day!
Lamoureux Avatar
April 22, 2019 at 8:18 AM
An excellent example of personification. I have enjoyed your poetry this morning. Blessings to you.
Gaul Avatar
April 22, 2019 at 3:43 PM
Richard, coming from an accomplished poet like yourself, I'm overwhelmed with your attention, comments and insights to my poetic efforts. Thank you for spending the time and effort to read my works. Many blessings to you.
Barden Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 4:25 AM
Blessings and sincere congratulations on your fine win, Greg - all the best to you, my friend! :-)
Gaul Avatar
March 30, 2018 at 8:41 AM
Thanks, I'm learning and trying and your kind comments move me to continue. Much appreciated.
Neumann Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 9:22 AM
Intertwined and subtle acts of kindness in stories and poetry. Your poem touched me deeply. Congratulations and thank you for taking part in my contest. Many wishes, Kai
Gaul Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 9:31 AM
For aspirants like me any acknowledgment is most helpful. Your running the contest in the first place is an act of generosity. Picking my poem is a cosmic coincidence that I won't dare question. Thanks muchly.
Gauthier Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 8:11 AM
A beautiful poem, a great message. Congrats on your win, Greg.
Gaul Avatar
March 21, 2018 at 9:42 AM
Coming from you I think it high praise. I must congratulate you also on your multiple placings in contests. I'm paddling as fast as I can. Learning a lot.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 29, 2017 at 10:05 AM
Wonderful title! What a tale of joy and sadness the sands tell!
Gaul Avatar
December 29, 2017 at 10:17 AM
Too kind. Thanks. I'll have to find your stuff.
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