Reflection in the Tide

Soothing rhythm beyond the waves,

an endless maelstrom storms within.

Carving the world's canyons and caves

from Her shapely, supple skin.

Paint the sea in Heaven's luster,

undulating serpent of swirling sapphire.

Beneath the surface shadows muster.

Depths of emptiness, bleak and dire.

The surf crawls to a languid still,

I peer inside the endless blue.

Violent shiver, sparked by sudden chill.

That empty realm is within me, too.

Your siren song beckons, plunge into damnation,

and commune at the bottom of the sea.

Alas, my dear, today I'll resist the temptation.

Though if I fail, reserve a seat for me.

Reviews

[Nolo Segundo]

When I read your work, I often have to resist a bit of envy-- it's so lyrically beautiful at times, its like you're making love to the English language-- and I, the jealous suitor!
Congrats on your much deserved 1st in Eliza's contest.

[ElizaB]

I have many questions about this piece. The more I read it the more I discovered. My interpretations could be completely wrong of course (and if they are please correct me!) but, is this a poem of drowning? Or at least the contemplation of it. The draw of the sea, that "seat" at the end and the overall romantic tones created a thread of obsession. The narrators fate simply a temptation. Should they give in and take a seat?...

At first, I mistook the 'Her' for somebody, rather simply, a woman. Although the more I read I noticed you had personified the sea, with its siren song (which I presume to be waves) and its serpent like movements that seemingly draw the narrator in. It is a potion of unknown. Its "swirling sapphire" somehow reflect heaven, even though darkness awaits beneath the surface. This oxymoron you created allowed for images of white light to become intertwined with the blue/blackish tone of the sapphire in my mind.

Again, please correct me if I am wrong. This was purely my interpretation.

Many thanks,
Eliza

[Gray]

This is beautifully written. You are a gifted poet.

[Sazaku]

Thank you. :D