My place

The ocean's pulse, the ebb and flow

of constant waves' re-nourishment

bespeaks to me of life, although

an undercurrent message sent

in whispered sighs of Gaia's breath

upon the shoreline where I sit

relates a tale of bounteous wealth;

the wind, the rain - that we exist

at all is purely by the grace

of Nature's cycles. Also heard,

a gentle, soft, disturbing voice

reminding me without a word:

when we have come and we have gone

the ocean's pulse continues on

Reviews

[FJ Davis]

That we exist at all is astounding--more fantastic than anything we can imagine. While our physical bodies eventually disintegrate and return to Nature, that which operated those bodies abides. Consciousness formed the body; consiousness survives the body, which provided temporary housing and method of relating to the physical world.
This poem reminds us that ocean, Earth--Nature, itself--have seen unbelievable numbers of humans appear and disappear. But then, so have we--as part of the same unending matter-to-energy and energy-to-matter process, and as ageless consciousness observing and interacting with everything.
At least, Joel, these are the things of which I am reminded. Thank you!

[Audrey Howitt]

Beautiful writing and profound in its message in a very short number of lines. So well done!

[ju]

i like those last lines too. to know our place in this world/universe of ours- and to catch such a beautiful reminder, is wonderful.

[Lily Mae]

I really love this Joel.. Its a full of beauty and truth.. And no matter what we do..or think, feel or choose not to feel..it all continues on... I love most.. "the ocean's pulse continues"...

[LA Lorena]

you have done a remarkable job with this Joel. We really are just a minute speck of dust on a cosmic landscape. life existed before us and will continue to do so long after our time here is done. I loved the flow of this and the perfect rhyme, it just rolls off the tongue easily, much like a wave upon the shore. very nice

[Abdul Aziz]

Amazing how you weave together modern science and poetry to create this indelible gem of a poem. Scientists have become more creative in their nomenclature these days, and "Gaia", to describe the living earth, lends itself to many creative possibilities, one which you have used to very good effect. The conclusion, though, adds a whole new dimension to the poem, a philosophical engagement that makes one cogitate upon the wonder of our place in nature, thus aptly justifying the title. Great, great work!

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

when we have come and we have gone......the ocean's pulse continues on......wow! Love this one Joel!

[Judy Ponceby]

The rhythm is like the waves rolling in. This is beautiful on a beautiful eternal topic.
You do nature justice in this Joel. Well done. :)