Notes About The Poem

The Poem Is


The poem is a beautiful garden
Yet the visiting admirer 
Sees only the surface
Beautiful?
Colorful?
Chaotic?
Orderly?
Are the tidy, straight rows of strawberries
Indicative of a neat, colorful gardener?
Or are there roots and seeds that tell
A different, and truer story
Of what was, and is, 
and is to come? 
The words are the flowers…
But what do they mean? 

The poem is a vast sea yet the cruise ship tourist 
Sees only the surface, here for a moment
With places to go and things to do
No time to explore the life within
No time to go deeper
No time to be silent
No time to be…
Frightened 
Comforted
Awestruck
Enveloped
Uplifted 
Are the soft, quiet rolling waves above
Indicative of a still, peaceful below?
Are there creatures and currents
Untouched and unshared,
Unseen and unknown?
The words are the waves
But what do they mean?

Your face is the surface of the sea

mysteryoceanseafree verse

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JC Brul

August 18, 2020 at 11:24 PM

Oh wow! What a treasure I found! Superb imagery in superb form.

John Watt

August 18, 2020 at 11:48 PM

JCB! Thank you for going on a scavenger hunt and finding this in the archives! I love your comment, thank you for your uplifting encouragement.

Michelle Faulkner

August 2, 2020 at 4:28 PM

I decided to go on a treasure hunt - and struck gold with my first swing! I love how you explore the layers and nuance of poetry - my favorite line, 'straight rows of strawberries' - actually, that whole stanza is my favorite! But I also like how you reflect on the message of the ocean, and asking what the words mean brings it full circle in a satisfactory way - going in my Faves box...

John Watt

August 2, 2020 at 9:25 PM

Again, thank you for the deep dig to find this. I'm glad you liked it and I'm so grateful for your kind and lengthy comment. A true friend you are. Blessings ~ John

Susan Ashley

March 13, 2020 at 11:43 AM

Your talented pen produces a rich introspection with captivating delicacy and depth, John. Thought provoking metaphors and tantalizing imagery combine to take one’s heart and imagination below the surface to the soulful center of your theme. A wonderful ride to the thoughtful center of a gifted poet whose gentle pen urges the reader to delve into the meaningful beauty of poetry.. a beauty that is more than skin deep. I am discovering that you are a master of the impactful last line! Warmest wishes always my friend.. ~Susan

John Watt

August 2, 2020 at 9:27 PM

Susan, you give such wonderful reviews, I just want to take out my journal and take notes so I can learn from such gifts you display! You are also a dear friend, and your words are so encouraging to me, thank you!

Andrea Dietrich

February 28, 2020 at 7:27 PM

I see this was a winning poem for you, John, so a very belated congrats to you. I think this poem speaks to serious poetry. and is full of meaning. On the other hand, look at humorous poetry. When the poem is simply written to amuse, it truly is simply a cruise ship and the sea beneath it is of no consequence! I think to get to the depths of meaningfuly poetry would entail knowing the poet himself very very well! Most are not patient enough for that. You, however , ARE! Which makes you a star!

John Watt

February 28, 2020 at 11:50 PM

Andrea, what a great comment for one of my more mysterious writings. Thank you for taking time to read (and reply) so thoughtfully ~ John

Gregory Richard Barden

January 7, 2020 at 9:44 PM

Sincere congratulations for your win in Brian's contest, John - keep the ink flowing, my friend, and best wishes for a bountiful and healthy New Year. Blessings! :o)

John Watt

January 7, 2020 at 10:04 PM

Gregory, I'm grateful for your visit, kind thoughts, and best wishes. Blessings to you as well, friend.