Philosophy on Walking

walking ocean side in wet, packed sand
I was struck dumb by a wave -
forgetting how drenching giants
would leap suddenly to shore

in a waterlogged flash, open mouthed
and salted like supper,
I could hear the singing of shells
cracking with laughter against my skull

there is no dignified way to rise
in shifting sand, no way to gag casually
only the notes of the ocean lost
in its own mirth, that rises in crescendos

it changes a person's perception
a sudden awakening
like the day I took a sandwich
for a sunny walk by the sea
and saw a hundred gulls
develop a passion for me

Instinct took over and I threw
the food in the air, but it landed
on a big family group -
that scattered in astonishment
as the birds ripped
one sandwich into a thousand pieces

Two lessons in nonchalance
in walking on from the brink
and the weight of things
A half mile ahead, life.
straightens out everything

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

I find it endlessly fascinating how you throw your thoughts through a landscape.

[Phibby Venable]

thank you, Ken, the landscape is a friend to me

[Emily B]

it has been too long since my feet felt sand . . . it has been too long since my boots climbed the mountain

it occurs to me that i need to get out and walk more!

[Ed Hart]

lessons by the shore...sometimes the 'big ones' can take you home with them...but even a substantial stumble can add a layer to your humble...you are my phebbyiest

[Phibby Venable]

thank you, Ed, sometimes i wish we were at the sea...

[insight]

It's a nice poem, I just joined this site, so I'm not sure what else to say.

[Phibby Venable]

thank you, Insight, i appreciate your fine comment. look forward to your work.