Then

I remember sitting alone on a long stretch
     of sun-kissed Mediterranean beach
Feeling powerfully young and beautiful
     Feeling my heart swell and roar like the ocean
Giggling as little rippling waves in rows
     hurried to kiss and tickle my toes
Leaving them clothed in lacy frills
     like ten little brides at a wedding!

I remember feeling immortal then
     Then when the sunset held the promise of tomorrow
and dawn bathed in golden streams of light
     Birds sang in my young heart then
When the universe moved through me
     When I dreamed dreams wild with hope
When the thrill of possibility
     saturated me with an unquenchable longing

How I would love to go back to that stretch of beach
     where I sat with my frothy toes and vowed to find love
I would tell the ocean I had kept my pledge
     and had found enduring love and fulfilment
But I would ask the ocean
     why this heart of mine holds its grief so tightly
Why it is unable to cut the last mooring rope...
     Perhaps the ocean will tell me?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
April 30, 2017 at 2:57 PM
I ask myself the same question.Why does my heart hold the grief? I find I am getting better.How about you? Nixe to meet you Sheila.
Sacks Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:52 AM
It all takes time doesn't it, but it does get better - nice to meet you too and thank you for your lovely comment, Darlene!
Johnson Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 2:01 PM
This is a most beautiful piece my friend. I love the ocean, and it too like the heavens will surely speak to you. This piece is so inspiring to me. "The waves that come to shore, have reached their destiny and shall return no more. May the grief of which you speak, serve its purpose and return to sea. Much love my friend.
Sacks Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:37 AM
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Curtis! I have never thought of grief as having a purpose but I think you're right...it's such a painful process but in the end perhaps it brings us to a place of acceptance...we have to allow the waves of grief to come to shore....a comforting thought!
Dietrich Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 6:16 PM
wow, Sheila. this is really really good. The imagery of the ten bride toes. SO CUTE. I love this one. SEVEN ( I can really relate to its theme as well)
Sacks Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:42 AM
Your lovely comments are always welcome, Andrea! I'm so happy you dropped by to read it! Hugs
Deo Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 5:39 PM
Beautiful Sheila. I am sure U had nice visits to Durban beaches, too. Maybe one for my homesick soul ...eventually. Shalom, shalom (Read this a few times over a few weeks; it deserves a min of 7)
Sacks Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:44 AM
Shalom and thank you very much, Anil! Your comments are so appreciated!
Warrior Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 9:35 AM
A brilliant piece Sheila...well crafted...god bless...^WW^
Sacks Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:47 AM
Thank you so much WW! G-d bless and thanks for dropping by!
Trifiatis Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 5:47 PM
Reminiscing days of happiness and of youth past with such strong emotions and putting them on paper in a masterful way is a proof of a excellent poetic talent dear Sheila! A 7!
Sacks Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:48 AM
Thank you for your gracious and generous comment, Demetrios!
Deo Avatar
April 9, 2017 at 2:12 PM
Sheila, a beauty. Take SEVEN. Glad u are here, from a one-time South African who loved watching the ocean at East London. I swam the beaches in Durban ... but watched many evenings in "Transkei." Kudos for making the water speak in so many accents, as your feelings swirl around toes, or roar in the cascading waves. I miss RSA! Neil Deo
Sacks Avatar
April 21, 2017 at 7:07 AM
Hi Anil, it's great to hear from you and I'm sure you miss this beautiful country! Thank you for your visit and lovely comment!
Lamoureux Avatar
April 9, 2017 at 9:18 AM
I hope your grief goes out with the tide.
Sacks Avatar
April 9, 2017 at 9:49 AM
Wouldn't that be wonderful! Thank you, Richard!
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