Mermaid cast upon the beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artist: Frank Hopper.  This piece is entitled "Red Tide" and it has been copywrited by the artist.  Permission to use this inspiring piece of art with my poem is currently being sought from the artist.  The current image was obtained from tinypic.com at http://i51.tinypic.com/2rc6gp3.jpg. TinyPic® is a Photobucket Video & Photo Sharing Company.

 

 

Mermaid cast upon the beach

 

     “…tragedy in the wake of the storm…”

 

 

Most cruel and horrid storm

What damage have you wrought?

You raged the night and from the sea you tossed

The fairest form that e’er my eye did see

You’d think that God himself would cry

And spare this maid--grant bles'sed clemency!

 

Not common lot of fish

Should this fair maid abide!

Oh sea, have you no sense of shame or pride?

This beaut'ous form lies lifeless on the beach

And so I pray--it's nature I beseech:

Undo this deed--undo this foul breach!

 

But oh, with tears I now do fully see

No hallowed spirit nor nature's sprite will heed my plea

This heinous crime will stand without respite--

No godly pow’r will grant just amnesty

So naught is left to do but sigh--

No heav’n above to quell my anguished cries

 

And so, fair maid, then this ' thy final resting place!

And oh, this deed, this bitter world’s disgrace

In briny grave I place thy cold remains

Thy spirit free now of all mortal chains

And 'bout thy grave shells of the sea I'll place--

And fragrant flow'rs make mantle for thy face

 

‘Tis all that I can do for thee, sad maid--

‘Twas most ill fortune to have seen thee fade

 

 

 

©2010 Richard Puetter

All rights reserved

 

 

Notes

 

A tribute to Frank Hopper's magical piece of art: "Red Tide".

Reviews

[Abby L.]

Ok I enjoyed your poem, I like the fact that it was based off something. The picture bothers me a lot. I do not like nudity, and I really don't enjoy art with nudity or sex of any kind. But that's just me.
Your poem is simply fantastic. I can truly feel the anguish, in the words. I love how the emotions rise and fall, and you display that well.
A lot of people don't write like this anymore and I miss it. Free-styling is in fashion.
I hope you continue to write more! Great job!
::Abby::

[Sheila Kline]

Dear Rick!

Your write and interpretation is just lovely! You continue to inspire me to penn thoughts as I read your words.................

And sad maid did see hopes of future fade
As on ocean's shore she drew breath no more
Future ended as on her earth's grave descended
Leaving beauty to be seen by passing seaman keen.
Thus she is nevermore a jewel sparking on sea's shore.

My favorite lines are:

And 'bout thy grave shells of the sea I'll place--
And fragrant flowers to mantle thy sweet face....Just beautiful!

Form is excellent, and I especially like the way you changed the format in the last verse. The two line summary leaves this reader with thoughts of sadness, and reminded of the tragedy felt of such a loss.

Memorable write my friend!

Sheila

[Ladysue]

Oh this is a sad write, but so beautifully written with a wonderful flow...nicely done...

[Mason Vail]

Nice! I haven't been in Writer's Cafe for a long time and thought I'd see what's new. This gem is the first thing I read. Glad I came! The imagery in the poem itself perfectly meshes with the art. I expect that if the art weren't shown until after the poem, the reader would immediately recognize their imagined scene in the visual piece.

[:)]

I like poem, it flow's like a sailor which makes a lot of sense. ;)

The picture is also equisite.

I'm glad I read this; I got to read the word reprieve. Repreive, Reprieve...

Good word ;)

BAM!

[Mark]

An interesting, otherworldly sort of write, Rick. I don't think I've yet had that experience, just seeing a picture and being moved to write on the feelings it elicited. Even as I say that, I remember "Oasis", given life by the photo atop one of Emma's poems. Even the free verse composition brought to my mind the freedom which is the mermaid's life. Most enjoyable, too, being able to read one of your creations without having to resort to three reference works of advanced physics and applied calculus! (wink, wink, nudge, nudge!)

[Fabian G. Franklin]

The Scots call her, "maighdean mhara" or Maid of the Sea... said to be able to grant three wishes to whomever encounters one. The poem is a lovely but sad and mournful write. I enjoyed reading this very much Rick...great work.

[luciddreamer]

Amazing write...enjoyed it much :)
Peace
Robin

[7211]

You write like you are from a different time. It is dreamy and delightful. I enjoyed every word! It really took me away to a different place.
Besides, I had to comment, because I always used to pretend I was a mermaid when I swam, heck I still do it at the the gym sometimes...when there is no one around and it is like 1am in the morning.
Absolutely otherworldly. Thank you for the fabulous write!