Best Seawall Poems
“Tamam Shud”
Handsome comes
as handsome goes
forgotten
not missed
lies waiting
intestate
a code
undeciphered
Mystery in the end -
far more interesting
answers calling
something whispers:
"Death -
open gate ...
Come in"
(LadyLabyrinth / 2020)
"Spin Spin Sugar" / Sneaker Pimps
https://youtu.be/uGPdpWbg5bU
"Police found a book nearby
from which,
the piece of paper was torn -
the works of a 12th century poet -
and on the inside cover
found some sort of code,
and a local telephone number."
1. Tamam Shud Case
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamam_Shud_case
2. "The man, fully dressed in a business suit, was found propped against the seawall at Somerton Park Beach, in southern Adelaide, on December 1, 1948."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-08/new-animation-shows-face-of-mystery-somerton-man/12717590
3. Somerton Man/Blog
https://tomsbytwo.com/2021/02/02/two-definable-patterns-in-the-tamam-shud-code/
4. Somerton Man/CasoCriminal
https://casocriminal.org/en/unsolved-cases/mystery-of-the-somerton-man-taman-shud-case/
5. Tamam Shud / translate.
"In Persian "tamam" is a noun that simply means "the end" and it can also be used in the sense when something is finished or completed. The "shud" bit on the end is an auxiliary verb that puts it into the past tense, so "tamam shud" means "ended" or "finished".
6. Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubaiyat_of_Omar_Khayyam
7. Edward Fitzgerald (poet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_FitzGerald_(poet)
8. ASIO
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Security_Intelligence_Organisation
9.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAAF_Woomera_Range_Complex
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radium_Hill
Psychological Science/Criminology,
double major.
LYRICS/ "Spin Spin Sugar", Sneaker Pimps
https://genius.com/Sneaker-pimps-spin-spin-sugar-lyrics
Categories:
seawall, muse, mystery, psychological,
Form:
Free verse
They stand in regimented
order, lined up on the seawall,
all facing into the wind.
A slight turn of a body
catches a squall and sends
an errant gull off balance
forcing it to take flight.
Overhead, some hover,
others bank and sheer off
into the distance,
coming back to hang
in the air before
descending to the ground.
Seagulls are masters
of the wind, feathers tuned
to ride each gust and gently
float the chaos that boils
beneath their wings.
The air is home to them.
Then suddenly, such mastery
collapses into to a ball
of feathered fury, all grace gone,
fighting over the remains
of a big mac flung out
of a car window,
but leaving the pickle.
Categories:
seawall, bird, sea, wind,
Form:
Free verse
The soup tonight is matzo ball
A night of wonder for one and all
Crossing the Sea on foot is a tricky proposition ~
There's poetry in the majestic seawall
____________________________________
3,350 years ago tonight, Moses lifted up his
staff and the Red Sea Split...
Categories:
seawall, food, history, poetry, word
Form:
Rubai
her endless summer dream
gathers dust on its sand encrusted photo of
beach blanket love affairs
jet planes departing for distant lands
she had her five and dime sunglasses
and a transistor radio
tuned to the cheerful forever summer song
still has that picture of her in the fall of 66
hamming it up for the camera with her Stanley
he passed a while back
now she shuffles up along the seawall
with her big hat and her bags
candy for little ones
a kiss on the cheek for the nice
young man who brings the paper
its miami in febuary
its endless summer
its brighton beach's southside
and i know ill have to stay
Categories:
seawall, beach, beautiful,
Form:
Free verse
.
Roaring, rolling
upon the shore,
the noontime waves
curl, creep and crawl.
They rush with
forceful speed and all
against the stolid,
stone seawall.
They smash against
its boulder base
to shake and crack
its rocky core.
Exploding
as salty spray,
they splash in
the wind and fall.
They keep rushing in,
ebbing out,
for that's what waves
are after all!
.
.
Categories:
seawall, sea
Form:
Tail-rhyme
Years ago, while I was at work
You approached, and gave me that look.
When our eyes met, on that first day
I glanced at you, and looked away.
My heart was pounding, oh so fast
I never felt this, will it last?
Papers I gave you, to fill out
I explained, what they were about.
A week went by, and you came back
For those papers, you had lost track.
I gave them to you, one more time
I even showed you, where to sign.
Then one night, we had met once more
At the club, you stood by the door.
We had a drink, and shared a dance
You sure had me, from your first glance.
In the morning, you came on by
“Please come with me, but don’t ask why”.
To the seawall, to watch the view
Spending all day, just me and you.
You treated me, just like a queen
Someone like you, I’ve never seen.
You gave your heart, I gave mine too
To each other, our love was true.
The time we spent, I hold so dear
Where this was going, wasn’t too clear.
I loved you more, each day we spent
I felt our love, was truly meant.
You were my first, and only love
Our fate was in, the man above.
I had to leave, after a year
One last kiss, but many a tear.
“I’ll come for you”, I heard you say
Please make it soon, for this I pray.
Years had passed by, no word from you
My heart was broke, what will I do?
I never heard, you didn’t come
I just settled, I heard from some.
I never loved, like I loved you
For what I felt, I knew was true.
I got your call, on one late night
“You’re in my heart, but out of sight.”
“I’ve wanted you, here in my life”
“I just found out, you’re someone’s wife.”
You had told me, you held my heart
I am with you, though we’re apart.
For we’re meant, to be together
Love like ours, will last forever.
Then one day, I felt something wrong
This eerie feeling, sure was strong.
I called your mom, and we both cried
When she told me, you had just died.
Stomach cancer, is what you had
Finding this out, I felt so sad.
The night you called, it was goodbye
You never said, you knew I’d cry.
I’ll always miss, the love we shared
Knowing how much, you really cared.
I must go on, and live my life
For I’m a mom, and someone’s wife.
In your life, when you find true love
Make sure to thank, the man above.
Someday we’ll meet, at heaven’s gate
I know that you, will always wait.
Categories:
seawall, death, dedication, girlfriend-boyfriend, life,
Form:
Lyric
Since I was a child
An unspoken question
Has echoed in the hollow
Of my body
Carved by sorrow –
Where were you?
When your chubby baby boy
Climbed out of his crib and
Crawled into the cold bathroom
Where he ate Drano and
Burned himself with lye –
Where were you?
When your wily toddler
Pulled himself up onto the ledge
On the second floor and fell
Through the screened window
Down onto the bushes far below –
Where were you?
When your sensitive six year old
Sat crying on the seawall before
She slipped backwards and fell
Twenty feet to the rocky tidal beach
Landing in the lone sand patch –
Where were you?
When your eight year old son
Was hit in the head by a hammer
Thrown by his nine year old sister
Meant for a door, but catching him
Instead, blood flowing everywhere –
Where were you?
When your fourteen year old daughter
Confused by the subtle, yet loud
Familial messages on sex started
Sleeping with multiple men
And contracted a venereal disease –
Where were you?
When your oldest teenage daughter
Began riding off into the night
With guys on motor cycles
Coming home late and high on
Drugs and skipping school –
Where were you?
What I, your grown daughter, now know
Is that lost in the oblivion
Of your own pain and confusion
You left us in the care of a string
Of strangers because you loved us.
You were there for us
As much as you were able –
At the end of each crisis
Bringing us back
From the brink of destruction.
We, your children, survived,
And became strong
On the undercurrent
Of your love that I now know
Was always there.
Categories:
seawall, family, forgivenessdaughter, old, daughter,
Form:
Free verse
I saw a child sitting on a seawall
She had her legs tucked in to her chest with
Her arms wrapped around them talking to a
Beautiful mermaid.
I wondered if it was natural for a water lass
To come to call
As the sun was setting like a fireball.
I thought it must be obvious even to a casual
Observer that her tail sparkled in the water like
An expensive piece of jade.
I saw a child sitting on a seawall.
I couldn't tell if she was small or tall she was
Kinda tucked up in to a ball
Looking unafraid.
I wondered if it was natural for a water lass
To come to call
At just about nightfall.
A passer by said the water lass has been
Coming for almost a decade.
I saw a child sitting on a seawall.
The child and the water lass became friends
After the child's terrible fall as I recall
Which has made the fear of water deep laid.
I wondered if it was natural for a water lass
To come to call?
All in all
I think one day the mermaid will be able to
Persuade her to not be afraid.
I saw a child sitting on a seawall.
I wondered if it was natural for a water lass
To come to call.
Categories:
seawall, adventure, appreciation, beauty, blessing,
Form:
Villanelle
From one end to the other,
I love to take a ride.
What great sites, I get to see,
Down the seawall side.
I like to ride on weekdays,
On my way to work.
Down the beach, makes me forget,
I’m only just a clerk.
As I look over the gulf,
Up into the sky,
Nothing blocks the scenery,
Only the birds and planes go by.
I’ve lived here all my life,
And the beach is never the same.
But the fishing boats and swimming,
Will always be here to remain.
Summer weekends and Holidays,
Are always fun, you see.
Tourists come from everywhere,
To join the beach activities.
On the boulevard, late at night,
The beauty is still there.
No one could ever paint a picture,
To even closely compare.
Every chance that I may get,
I’ll always take a ride,
Down the beach, to get a view,
From the seawall side.
Florence McMillian (Flo)
Categories:
seawall, travelbeach,
Form:
Narrative
You are my beacon in the darkness
the bulwark and seawall which protect my shore
the lamp which pierces the stormy waters
that surround me
I navigate the deep with the course you set for me
your spirit moves the directions and maps
the destinations
Our cargo is precious and obtained
from many nations whose purchase was
a kings priceless ransom .
You calm the tempests with your orders
our counselor and captain of our salvation
you have lifted us from deep waters
rescued us from from the windstorms and squalls
guided us to warm beaches and the coastlines
filled with pleasant fruit
sheltered us from the ravages of dark natures
covered us richly from all your storehouses.
You have smoothed the surface of the great seas
for a passage through them
I exalt in your wisdom and radiance
Your presence and advice is always true
You take measure and correct our crossings
Your observations conduct the setting of our sails
and conveyed our bearing and carriages .
My soul rejoices in all your orders
for they are the buttress and stronghold
for all that you have delivered to us .
You are resplendent in all your ways
unsurpassed in your excellence
and worthy to receive the honors
and devotions of all those loving you .
You are the air that fills our sails
the brightest star in our nights
the Son which illuminates our days .
I magnify your name oh Lord
above all those known to men .
amen come Captain of Salvation
Your Word is fathomless
an anchor to our souls
Is 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and
the government will be on his shoulders. And he will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is
no other name under heaven given to
mankind by which we must be saved.”
Heb 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact
representation of his being, sustaining all things
by his powerful word. After he had provided purification
for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
COPYRIGHT © 2015
PoetryofProvidence
C Michael Miller?
Categories:
seawall, bible, devotion, inspiration, jesus,
Form:
Free verse
Our outside road may have a billion steps, but the inward journey has just one: this step. By poet.
The geese fly back to the light over the mountain.
Starlit fettle with rapt stars, laced in velvety delight.
All must be engraved in that pure crystal fountain.
Zest is a journey, scary, and never given by might.
A wondrous realm of rough dreams, laden with vigor.
It never vows to be flawless or to lack its sole rigor.
You might spot your line: life—fully pulls her trigger.
Losing heat by flying on a hazy drift over the seawall.
Vicious swirls saw dots, and lush hope let ashes fall.
It propels and impresses us until we start to crawl.
Drop aging bones in an endless, deep pull at a curtain.
No one is flawless or ethical, yet all have a sole sight.
All people have imperfections, giving them a fine figure.
Bask your journey; the earth will glitter and lighten us all.
Written: March 04, 2023
Writing Challenge - ''J'' Words - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Constance La France
This poem form is the Fragmented Rhyme invented and Conceived by Constance La France. It has 14 lines with indentation, and a rhyme scheme, as follows: ABABCCCDDDABCD
Categories:
seawall, analogy, appreciation, bereavement, bird,
Form:
Rhyme
Appears a ghostly vision, fog in from the sea.
As if sentient in movement, shrouds all in it's mystique.
With a cyclop eye, lighthouse lends a mournful wail.
While specters breath dampens all, your marrow the chill impales.
Out of sight, crashing waves, sound loud as if they crawl,
following the living mist, as it breaches the seawall.
Seeping round panes and doors, into every crevice.
The very air liquefied, a grey oppressive presence.
Wood smoke blends it's flavor, to the tang of the air.
In hopes the flames beat it back, keep tendrils from drawing near.
Slowly fog tastes it's fill of wooden planks and blood.
It leaves a sodden salt strewn smell, seeming to just dissolve.
Folding back on itself, returning to the brine.
Fog waits yet another morn, to return to shore and dine.
"Your Best Poem" contest
Placement: 2nd place
Featured poem of the week ending
Oct. 31, 2010
Categories:
seawall, imagination, nature, sea
Form:
Quatrain
Stronger by the Hour
David J Walker
It is
Afterall
Only a wall
Made of words
How many lawyers does it take
To make
A wall of bricks
So thick
That not even air can pass through it
Not even sunlight
That might
Allow passage
but willfully won't
There is a nimbus
Surrounding the border wall
There is an order to
Maintain order
There is a cold fog
That eats the light of
The seawall
on the West Coast
There is a ghost who will
Not rest unless it has
Raised a glass in a toast
To those it is about to devour
There is a storm
In the middle lands
That is growing larger
stronger
By the hour
Categories:
seawall, allegory, dark, death, deep,
Form:
Rhyme
I walk down a quiet street,
in the darkening gloom.
The evening air, softly sweet,
with the hint of perfume.
The evening is quiet and still,
sounds have faded away.
Street lights come on at will,
the close to another day.
I move toward the seawall,
to watch the changing tide.
Until the darkness of nightfall,
prompts me to go inside.
I decide to walk along the beach,
leaving footprints in the sand.
I dance out of the waves reach,
seeking the warmth of dry land.
Soon I am at my own front door.
The soft glow of light welcomes me.
This is my home, along the shore,
I find peace, here beside the sea.
Categories:
seawall, appreciation, beach, peace, sea,
Form:
Quatrain
At the shore’s edge of the Pontchartrain
a small barren peninsula protrudes
where a lonely couple gazes toward
the lighthouse perched at its end.
Its shadow partially obstructing
the bright pallet of a setting sun.
It precariously hovers on the horizon
for one last fleeting moment.
Its hues’ are awash by the mist
ascending each step of the seawall.
Just beyond, a sailing ship gracefully
glides along the crystal lake,
its sails waving a tranquil
and cherished farewell.
Categories:
seawall, sunset, symbolism,
Form:
Free verse