Behold the shout of “SEA!” where ends the land
down Manzanilla way on windward shore -
on coconut road, on ribbons of sand
and follow a trail of palms to its door.
Upon wet beachcomber footprint I stood,
coco lillies and beach flowers I’ve smelled,
and miles of castaway island driftwood
oft my mother’s full and cradled arms held.
In seine nets from Cocal to Mayaro
villagers reel carite, kingfish, and shark,
and dig for chip-chip and watch fireflies glow
as bright the pitch-oil lamps burn after dark.
Like the leatherbacks, I too will return
before this mortal lamp does cease to burn.
Written: January 1995
Categories:
leatherbacks, beach, childhood, memory, nostalgia,
Form: Sonnet
Turtles
Augury of ancient
Chinese mythology,
Mentions divine turtles,
Turtle shells,,,,
Defy augur's abilities !
On the back of turtle,
Stands volcano Island Bali,
Two snakes on sides,
If go weak in aim,
Earth quakes !
Yabuti donated
A fire to man,
Trickster or justice helper !
Bedawang a turtle
Carries elephants,
Holds earth on his back !
Shells on Samurai swords,
Signify bravery!
Leatherbacks and hawksbills,
Beautiful Sea turtles,
Heroes in music,
Arts and music stars!
Eat up plastics,
Taking for jellyfishes!
Switch off your lights,
Clean up the beach,
For Turtles nesting,
Save and help grow,
Celebrate world turtles day!
Written on 18/7/14
Contest- Turtles
Sponsor- Cyndi Macmillan
Ranked 6th
Categories:
leatherbacks, beauty, mythology,
Form: Free verse