Paul Bell Poet Free verse

The Sand and the Sea

Between the sand and the sea

He’s free

The crashing of the waves

Mean he’s safe

Slightly broken

But only in mind

Some Days he’s fine

Don’t shout

Don’t crowd

But be around

He may ignore you

Say hello

Next time, who knows

He has a story to tell

His inner hell

He’ll make you laugh

He’ll make you cry

But don’t pry

The story runs for years

All about fear

Brave as brave can be

Strange to see

Anger, tears

Voices in ears

He’s won the battle

They’ve told him so

But he’s slightly broken

He doesn't know

Between the sand and the sea

He’s free

The crashing of the waves

Mean he's safe.

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Susan Ashley March 8, 2026 at 9:14 AM Dear Paul, I'm not surprised to see this moving poem on the podium yet again. It just gets more potent, more soulful and more meaningful with every read. Brilliant use of brevity with impactful emotive and evocative imagery! Every line hold its own weight with delicate strength It's an honor to share the podium with you once again, my poet friend. Congratulations for your success in Seth's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sara Kendrick February 17, 2023 at 1:13 PM Good way of expressing those pent up emotions by comparing them to being between the sand and the sea. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara Paul Bell February 18, 2023 at 3:11 AM Pleasure, Sara, enjoy your stuff.

Susan Ashley February 6, 2023 at 7:57 AM Dear Paul, your eloquent and inspiring pen spills a compelling portrait of a "slightly broken" young man. The beauty of empathy shines from behind each verse, the light of it reaching my imagination to see the scene and my heart to vicariously feel this very emotive and evocative piece. Deep, rich and amazingly potent poetry. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Paul Bell February 7, 2023 at 10:17 AM Sadly, a lot of them out there.