The Ocean Calls Me

My heart yearns not for the mountain-way
  With its green of grass and tree;
My heart calls out for the ocean spray
   And the sound of the surf-roiling free!

Give me a land with its feet in the sea,
   Its low-swelling shoulders nearby;
The voice of the waves is like music to me
   And the cry of the gulls is my cry.

Cast me not out on your hot desert sand
   Where the salt-tanging airs never rest.
Give me space on an ocean-washed strand
   With a flicker of foam on its breast.

When the storm clouds build to a thundering groan
   And the wind whips the trees on the shore,
With a rip and a roll and a deep wailing moan
   The swell charges in with a roar.

Still, even then, with the needle-sharp spray
   Dancing its pain 'cross my face
My soul ventures out and is swept far away
   On the crest of a fast ocean race.

Thrilled to the core by the need to be free,
   Not bound by this weak mortal form,
It pitches and dives and races the sea
   And rides on the wings of the storm.

Lighter than down and stronger than steel
   With a knowledge as old as the sea,
That this is the way my soul shall feel,
   Perched on the brink of eternity!

Entry for Chantelle Anne Cooke's "Devotion To Ocean" Contest

Won 2nd Place in the contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Milgate Avatar
September 7, 2019 at 4:47 PM
Wonderful expression of what so many feel, impressive rhyming as well.!!
Hinshaw Avatar
September 7, 2019 at 6:47 PM
Thank you so much for your gracious comment, Linda. I cherish your support and encouragement. Best to you - Bob
Rees Avatar
September 7, 2019 at 11:51 AM
This beautifully describes your deep feeling for the sea in all its moods - feelings which I surely share. A lovely piece of writing, from the heart.
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 3, 2019 at 5:46 PM
Hello Robert Hinshaw, I just read your beautiful ocean poem. It made me feel like I was by the water. have a nic evening my friend.
Fillmore Avatar
September 1, 2019 at 7:46 PM
This is beautiful Robert and congrats on your win! well deserved:) The ocean calls me, too!
Milgate Avatar
August 20, 2019 at 1:39 PM
this is just beautiful. Nothing more to be said.
Andresen Avatar
August 16, 2019 at 3:02 AM
- I knew this would be a winning poem :) - Congratulations, Bob :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Mcgee Avatar
August 15, 2019 at 11:43 PM
Robert...this is a fantastic poem. Congrats on your win.
Roper Avatar
August 15, 2019 at 9:50 PM
Robert, your feelings show in this wonderful write.Congratulation on your wonderful win! Hugs
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 15, 2019 at 4:06 PM
OMG this is beautiful Robert! I am putting it straight into my Faves! Congratulations on your wonderful win, which is First for me! I love this perfectly rhymed jewel of the sea! : ) xxoo
Laurie Avatar
August 14, 2019 at 1:59 AM
Hello Bob … you've really excelled yourself with this poem Bob. It has a great flow and really great poem. It's my type of poetry, well done - Lindsay
Allison Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 2:41 PM
We live 5 mins walk from a golden beach I adore watching the sea but not being on it ... a bit of a challenge when we live on a little Island and have to get the ferry to the Uk sometime rather than planes:-) hugs Jan xx
Hinshaw Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 3:01 PM
I enjoyed nearly 3 years of living in Bermuda (where I met my wife)while in the Air Force and being on and near the sea. I enjoyed your comment - Bob H
Mchattie Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 2:22 PM
My Dad lives 50 yards from the Pacific Ocean. Always a treat when we go to visit. Great poem my friend.
Hinshaw Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 2:59 PM
Your Dad is a fortunate man indeed, David, to live by and enjoy the sea. Thanks for stopping by - Bob
Andresen Avatar
August 9, 2019 at 12:58 PM
- An excellent poem, Bob - The emotions are many ... "The voice of the waves is like music to me ... My soul ventures out and is swept far away ...." - So beautifully written ... best wishes in the contest ... a winning poem, I bet :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) - ("La Luna Asoma ... is my devotion to ocean" :)
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