The Future Arrives at Cambria

THE FUTURE ARRIVES AT CAMBRIA

The coastal air is cool and windy
in difference to our desert journey.
On go sweatshirts and wind-breakers
as we gaze upon the watery expanse
of the Pacific---slate sky meeting
blue at the far horizon, while rocky
out-croppings intercept the white surf
as it sprays over these dark sentinels
at the continent’s western edge.
From what past did these waters come
to meet us here at this present moment
                in time?
A going away middle daughter hams
it up for the camera at Cambria Pines,
displaying the thespian nature which
brings her (and us) to this side of the
nation. Soon, she will travel to other
parts of the country playing roles
hidden within the strange nature of
late 20th Century life. For now--- 
she sits with her family by the sea
waiting  for those lives to begin.

Author's Note

For those interested this a continuation of our western journey

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love the expansive, expressive description of the sea & I love your tying the travel experience to what's happening in the family. Much love expressed between these lines, for nature & for your daughter (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[kentuck14]

Margie,
Again, I thank you for your kind revue.
T

[NotUsinganymore]

Very lovely poem about seperation. c: I enjoyed it. c:

[kentuck14]

Glad you did. Thank you JL.
T

[Lydia Shutter]

They grow up and away from us, but they are always in our hearts. The memories of time spent together never fade. Your words are melancholy and filled with love. Such a sweet write that most parents will be able to identify with. Lydi**

[kentuck14]

Thanks Lydia . . . how true what you say. Thanks for the sharing.
T

[Patricia Wedel]

Dear Poet.. I can relate to your poetry... both of my children are grown and have wandered off to other climates now and then as they raise their children. They fly here and there like Birds who follow the Weather. They visit when the can and leave Memories at my doorstep. truly, Pat

[kentuck14]

The generations are definitely more mobile than before. Perhaps more restless. Thanks for reading and commenting.
T

[Robert Trakofler]

I cant tell if this is a happy occasion or a sad one maybe a bit of both thats a hard thing for both parent and child for those lives to begin old lives have to change and the worry sets in for the parent and the excitement starts for the child (and a little scary but they won't tell you that:) I had a relationship years ago with an actress and thru it I had to recite many a shakespearean line to her for prompts (back then I loathed shakespeare) but it is a dedicated life and one I am highly respectful of knowing some of the behind the scenes elements of that life. I imagine you are proud of her dedication:)

[kentuck14]

Bunny,
She traveled as a thespian for six years, meet her husband in the group. Yes . . . definitely mixed feelings at the time.
T

[DAH]

Beautifully coastal, nicely played!

"slate sky meeting
blue at the far horizon, while rocky
out-croppings intercept the white surf"

[kentuck14]

Thanks DAH for the kind words.
T

[Eilis]

Glad to see another installment in the journey, Tom. This has a different feel to it. A more internal, contemplative feel. Perhaps attributed to the impending leaving of the daughter. Maybe this was a last time everyone was together on such a journey.

I love the observations about the sea. Standing at the edge and looking outward like that does bring a different perspective. I’ve never thought of it in terms of the end of a continent. I don’t know why, maybe because I have an aversion to thinking of edges and endings. Reading that part of your poem was like a lightbulb moment.

The thing that really strikes me about this one, though, is the way it feels like it encompasses all conditions of time: past, present, and future. And they all intermingle in the same way they do within us. The mystery of how we can live in different eras in our minds.

The last stanza is poignant for me as a parent. But, poetry helps to hold on to the things that might otherwise slip away with time. Solidifying memory.

An enjoyable glimpse into another part of the journey.

[kentuck14]

E, I believe we live with past. present and the future all at once. The future because what we do or say , even think now in some way affects the future. Thanks for your comments. Another episode will be on its way soon.
T

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is great...love the question about the waters meeting us in the present moment.
and "waiting for those lives to begin"
we seem to have so many lives...but a line from the Natural says it best...Glen Close's character says "i think we have two lives...the one we learn from and the one we live with after that."
we play roles, thesbians or not...
love this poem, T.
j.

[kentuck14]

J
Thanks for sharing your insight.
T

[Crowley]

This is amazing. The last lines are and the making of the thespian...the nostalgia oozes and the family is on parade. You never know what turn of events will shape a future. This is really good , loved it!!

[kentuck14]

C,
Thanks for your kind words.
T

[Crowley]

Ok just reread my comment and see auto correct strikes again. Thespian? Obviously I meant lesbian...lol.