Interlude

Gentle waves of crystal kindness,

edging closer to my feet,

as I laze upon these pebbles,

smooth and flattened on their surface,

by the power of the sea.

As I lie here contemplating

nothing more than naked toes,

empty thoughts are more than healing,

as the creeping, calming briny

cleanses me of all my woes.

Reviews

[Soren]

This is a soothing poem of nature's healing power and self reflection. Beautifully written a baptism of awareness and self enlightenment. The metaphor is amazing in its simplicity as is nature itself. The more I read it the deeper it goes. I rest upon your words like the pebbles contemplating the depths of its waves of meaning. It is so succinct that to say any part of it is my favorite it to take away from the rest.

[Chris Shaw]

Soren, thank you for such a thorough and encouraging review. I appreciate your thoughts greatly. All the best.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

It’s amazing how the ocean with all it’s magnificent beauty can change ones mood

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right PB. The ocean has a thousand moods and we can pick up on them if we listen and watch closely. Many thanks for checking out these lines.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

You are definitely welcome

[Davidgeo]

This makes me think of the term 'emotional erosion' but in a good way.

[Chris Shaw]

If my lines have a positive effect, then that is a bonus. Thank you.

[Relic]

When my mother died the beach was the first place I went to. It seems to have healing powers of a sort. I can relate to this one strongly.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. Your avatar is striking by the way. Incredibly beautiful. You are right about the healing powers of the ocean. It can be both calming and invigorating. It has moods just as we do. My mum wants her ashes to be scattered at sea when the time comes and when I think about my Dad, gone now thirty years, I often envisage him fishing off rocks in Anstey's Cove, which was a favourite haunt of his. So pleased you found this little poem relatable.

[Remanence]

The words of one who casts her cares to the vastness of the ocean, finding pleasure in its subtle caress for doing so. Nicely written, very relatable.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Watercress. The call of the ocean is strong. Likely to be another three months before I can visit my favourite spots. In the meantime, I will have to use my imagination. Pleased to hear this little poem is relatable. All the best to you.

Chris

[VelvetPotato]

I don't live by the ocean, but everytime I'm there, it makes me feel small, in a way that I forget about any nettlesome problems at home. There is beauty in emptiness. I love a good write about a simple pleasure, and this piece delivered.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Pleased you enjoyed this piece. I don't live by the ocean, but do live by a river. I certainly have an affinity with water. The river is beautiful, but I do pine for the ocean at times.

Chris

[red93]

Like this one very much Chris. Someone once said ' If we understand the Sea, we understand our own Nature. ' Hoping you have plenty of opportunities to get near the Sea now Lockdown in the UK is easing.

[Chris Shaw]

I think that saying is a good one. The sea can certainly reflect our many moods. Many thanks for visiting this older poem red93. Much appreciated. I very much like your avatar choice.

Chris

[red93]

Ooh thanks for kind words re the Avatar. I think it was 'April Blue Flores' who commented on one of my pieces and said she would like to see 'The Severn Estuary' - so there it is - photo by my daughter Hannah on her travels for Work. Some debate locally where 'The Severn Estuary' becomes 'The Bristol Channel', but still can make a pretty picture hopefully.

[Chris Shaw]

Have passed by many a time, but never seen it looking quite as wonderful as this. Your daughter is quite a photographer :)

[red93]

Many thanks Chris - yr praise has been forwarded to her. Her Mother does my Book Covers, and is a Professional Level Photographer in her own right, so I guess that talent has been passed on, as it were.

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely for talent to be passed down the line :)

[DIVYA]

I loved and enjoyed this read, Chris. I could almost feel that briny touching my toes and the sun healing me of my own woes...You are such an amazing writer.

[Chris Shaw]

Aw DIVYA, you are too kind. It really pleases me that you enjoy my humble musings. It is so cold and miserable at the moment I was more than pleased to find this poem had been given another airing. Written when the weather was beautiful and I couldn't wait to dip my toes in that cool crystal. Wouldn't want to be doing it now. Thank you dear poet and have a great day.

Chris

[Lorry]

Well, a quick check shows that you wrote this in April, so im glad i checked before telling social services theres a popsicle lady statue on the beach. (back to jubilee cups again)
There is something so soothing about the gentle lapping of water on our toes, destressing our mind and body with its hypnotic effects..... Right up until you remember about all the sharks and swimming knives in there, who would love nothing better than playing the speededup version of this little piggy, by tearing off your leg in one go.
RUN CHRIS!
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!
THROW KIDS AND SMALLER ADULTS INTO YOUR WAKE(MAYBE THIS HUMAN APERITIF WILL SLOW IT DOWN LONG ENOUGH FOR YOUR ESCAPE.
WHY AM I STILL SHOUTING IN CAPS LOCK? IT'S THAT SCARY, GET OUT!
Well, as you have no doubt guessed, i found this little gem so calming and zen like. Great job 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Those sharks, no wonder you used Caps. Yes it was an April poem that Jimmy gave another airing. It was certainly a nice day and the water calm. Bit different last time I was there. Wind whipped waves and scary. Thanks Lorry for your luvvely review.

Chris

[Lorry]

There is the beauty of favourite places, every time you go, weather and light change the scene so you always see something new.
Ach, who wants sun and clear blue skies anyway. Blah 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Yes favourite places, in all the seasons, but give me a warm sunny day and then I have found my own little heaven. Good early morning Lorry.

[Lorry]

Morning. Whats a sun? 😀

[Chris Shaw]

The last time I saw it, it was a yellow blob in a child's painting. Yes, it is that elusive!!

[Lorry]

We see it so rarely that we just call it the Oh. As in "Oh! Yellow skyball make see thing magic" 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Have a great day Lorry. Maybe that elusive sun will pay you a visit and shine on you :))

[Lorry]

Hmm, is it April fools already? 😀

[Chris Shaw]

:))......................

[Dave Brown]

At this time of year I admire the fact that your toes didn't freeze and crack.
It truly epitomizes the concept of warm bloodedness
This must have been during a woelar bear swim

[Chris Shaw]

This was an April write Dave that is out for an airing. Much calmer weather by far. You wouldn't get me dipping my toes at this time of year. Thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - you know how I love the sea. I easily join you in your contemplation. Despite its up roaring nature, at times, I find the sea to be quite calming. I often remember the hours I spent walking along the waters edge allowing the waves to come no higher than my ankles. Calming me, washing away my cares.
Take care - Chris - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

I do know how you love the sea Dave, so I am so pleased you enjoyed this write. I find the sea calming too, but it can also have its more scary moments. Thanks for your lovely review.

Chris