Poem: Buoyant
Note: I have been struggling with the new editor that WordPress uses. I managed to change my theme (again) to resolve the issue, but this post was thisclose to not coming out. Until I find the cause of the issue, there’s a chance I might not get out future posts when I plan. Just know that if I miss posting in the weeks ahead I’m working on the issue, and hopefully, I’ll find a solution soon. And if you never hear from me again…well, we had a good run, didn’t we?
So many poems about sinking,
being pulled under,
feeling the tickle of seaweed
upon your feet right before
it wraps around your ankle
and anchors you to the sea floor.
I’ve been there.
I know these lines
as if they formed my bones.
I’ve written these lines
as if they were my whole story.
I’d forgotten there was an After
because at the time
I couldn’t feel it,
I couldn’t see it,
I didn’t know it.
The burden feels so heavy
that you can feel it pulling you to
the depths of the ocean
and you feel the beating of the waves.
It’s hard to remember during the
most violent storms
that we’re buoyant.
It’s only when the storm passes
that we see
we’re still floating
in this vast, beautiful, salt-laced ocean
that feels like life, breath, renewal.
I remember the feeling of drowning,
but perhaps I should hold fast
to the feeling of sea spray, sun rays, and cool breezes.
Faith is too easily forgotten when
the clouds roll in.
Great poem. People often forget in the moment, when the chips are down, the number of storms they have weathered before, and everything worked itself out. I survived a rupturing gall bladder, a tumor found with it’s removal, Lyme disease, and bitter cold exposure. I can look back on that when things aren’t going my way, and stay the course.
Yes. We do tend to forget what we’ve made it through before, Marty. Those are some impressive examples of things you’ve made it through. I like the idea of having a list in your mind of things you’ve overcome as a reminder when things feel insurmountable. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment! 🙂
I like the new theme you’re going with. It’s very clean and sharp looking.
Very lovely piece. I especially liked this whole part:
“I remember the feeling of drowning,
but perhaps I should hold fast
to the feeling of sea spray, sun rays, and cool breezes.”
I love the visual of that last line. I can just see the sun setting over the ocean – all warm orange glow – with the palm trees blowing in the breeze.
Thank you! I’m happy the theme looks good. It always feels like a major decision to change themes, and the fact that I’ve had to change it several times recently is a little rough. I don’t want to find one that works just to not like it.
And I’m glad you liked the last image. It’s amazing how the same scene can be the source of rejuvenation and we draw happiness and creativity from, and yet it’s also the image that comes to mind when things are overwhelming.
“I don’t want to find one that works just to not like it.” I totally understand that feeling. It took me a while to choose the right theme for my Ambrose and Elsie blog. I knew what I wanted – something dark/mysterious but easy to read. There were a couple of themes I kind of liked, but they didn’t match the aesthetic I had in mind. Then, I found the Afterlight one and I was like “Yep. This is it.” I could modify it to make it more personalized, but I like it just as it is. It makes me happy.