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.

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"The Sand And The Sea"
Paul Bell,
There are so many people that match the description in your above poem. The phrase 'between the sand and the sea' has a transitory and changeing feeling to it as do the ocean swells which churn up anything and evertthing within during a storm. The ocean moans. It sprays and has undercurrnets and can be very dangerous. How so many survive some of the painful experiences in life.....it is not surprising that many are as you mention above, " a little broken." In my family there are many who have served in the military throughout the generations. I did not know them for they are now gone. My father in law served in Korea. It affected him. A family freind served in Vietnam and this poem sounds like it was written about him. He is a very smart guy but I know the experiences he had are lasting. Thank you for writing this tribute to those whom we can thank and be there for.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Kathy. Sometimes feel our servicemen and servicewomen get mentioned once a year.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Your really welcome! This poem was great because you came at it a little differently then any Iv'e seen. Inner perspective pulled through the characteristics of the ocean.
Bless you sir.
Kathy

[Kush]

I love this one, uniquely written and was great to read. Between the sand and sea...great thought and description. Well written.
congratulations!

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Kush. The poem relates to our war heroes.

[Dr. Wood ?]

some of us have an affinity with the sea despite being born MILES from any coastline. I am one of those people. I moved to a coastal town and enjoyed 7 years as a bona fide seasider...I am back inland now but I most definitely left something behind...I can associate with this fine poem

[Paul Bell]

I suppose it gets under your skin. You feel a belonging.

[Dr. Wood ?]

Sort of....Now it is that itch that I cannot scratch

[emily.c.]

I love this one. The ocean's funny because it's both calm and overwhelmingly powerful. You expressed the feeling perfectly: between the sand and the sea, he's free. Makes me miss it! Thanks so much.

[Paul Bell]

It sure is Em. The poems about a returning war hero who's struggling to adjust. And you're right. The sea has that calming effect he needs.

[Marina]

Wow. And I don't say that lightly.
Too bad I saw this gem just now, and only because it appeared on News Feed.
That song came instantly to mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-f3LnfdSC0

[Paul Bell]

You a big Who fan. Never heard that one before, and i thought i knew them all.

[Marina]

I am. And it's from my favorite (and quite underrated) album. Also, there's a movie based on that album with the same title. Watch it.

[Paul Bell]

Take it that was well after the Tommy film

[Marina]

what Tommy film??

[Paul Bell]

Tommy. Pinball wizard.

[Valentine]

Sounds like my older brother who was a career sailor for the U.S.A., he seemed happiest when out on the sea. Valentine

[Paul Bell]

Yeah Kathie. I think some people are born for the sea.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like the idea that he feels safe in the crashing of the waves...like the poet who will write about the poem when he or she is ready to, not before...and writing makes us feel safe...

it is a crash of waves between our emotions and our understanding of what we feel....the time we can write.

it is like when a friend asks us what is wrong, and we can't even talk about it, because we are so mixed up with our feelings we can't yet put them into words.

j.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks jacob

[once in love]

I must be getting old, your style has a very 'dead poet' feel to it but for the life of me I can't recall the poet. This is a very sharply written piece. It shows great strength and reveals your ability to write beyond poetry...perhaps a novel? It has been a pleasure to read you!

[Paul Bell]

Thanks once in love, you're still young.

[Lyn Anderson]

A very beautiful poem. A story, within a story. Made it through to the other side -- of the sea.