As we leave February behind, here are a few thoughts and photos from a chilly day at the beach. Also – just so you know – I haven’t heard anything from Reese or Hello Sunshine on my job application! I’ll let you know as soon as I do. Thanks for keeping me company on this journey.
One winter morning, cool and bright,
the conchs await
in various states of wholeness and disrepair –
I wonder where
the animals parted company with their shells.
Where you have you been you old grey monster?
What could you tell me of the seas?
Of freedom, hunger, joy, lust, despair?
You crusted beast, more barnacle than conch,
did you even recognize yourself at the end?
You didn’t break or bend,
That much I know.
Someone cracked your head,
sucked out your heart-
if they called it art or “me not you”
I hope you told them a thing or two
before you sank and washed up on this beach.
Like a sieve, you leaked out your heart and soul;
and you – dear one – did not grow old.
But – you absorbed the warmth of the sun;
and you wore colors of sea and sand and sky;
shone like a gem in the morning light;
buried your head in the sand when that seemed right;
and sometimes did a headstand.
Two roads diverged on a silver beach and you took the one you wanted to
(ending up in about the same place as you would have otherwise).
All of you rest together on a winter morning, cool and bright.
My soul doth magnify the glory of the Lord –
Amen.
March 1, 2020 at 6:24 am
You have taken me to the beach—thank you for your beautiful words which have allowed me to smell the sea air, bask in the sun’s warmth and feel the sand between my toes!
Happy March!
Hugs
March 1, 2020 at 6:37 am
Oh, I’m so glad, Sondra! Warmest wishes to you as well! Xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 7:02 am
This is beautiful, Jennifer. I was immediately transported to a cold, windy day at the beach.
March 1, 2020 at 10:26 am
To me, those are the best days at the beach. (And – thank you, Melinda…) Xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 7:08 am
Extraordinary.
March 1, 2020 at 10:27 am
(As are you, dear Mary) – xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 7:09 am
Such a beautiful way to start the day during this Lenten season. Thank you for your gifts to us.
March 1, 2020 at 10:28 am
Thank you for your loving heart always, Lawrence – xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 9:34 am
Such beautiful thoughts inspired by simple shells! Thank you for sharing your creativity.
March 1, 2020 at 10:29 am
I had never seen so many conchs on the beach at once, Heather… it was a strange and wonderful day. (And – thank you -) xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 9:38 am
Magnified indeed! Exquisite!
March 1, 2020 at 10:31 am
Thank you, dearest Nancy – xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 11:46 am
Stunning and beautiful words! Thank ou!
March 2, 2020 at 8:52 am
Xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Can’t wait to get to the beach and read The Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh…I have lost count as to how many times I have read it but I love it each time.
March 2, 2020 at 8:52 am
I need to pick that up again… it’s been a long time. Thank you for mentioning it! Xoxo
March 1, 2020 at 10:58 pm
Poignant, beautiful, graceful and funny (Frost would chuckle, I’m sure of it!). Your magic pen, dear J, is the prism exposing all the radiant colors of human emotion we wouldn’t otherwise see. You’re a blessing to us all
March 2, 2020 at 8:53 am
You are such a blessing to me, dear Christina. Thank you for your very kind words- xoxo
March 2, 2020 at 2:45 am
Jennifer, Thank you for taking me back to my favorite beach and morning walk! What better place for a beautiful shell or anyone to end up.
March 2, 2020 at 8:54 am
It’s so nice to hear from you Connie! We must enjoy that walk together one morning. Xoxo
March 2, 2020 at 7:31 am
Love that Jennifer. I will look at those old broken conch shells differently from now on.
March 2, 2020 at 8:57 am
We all need each other’s eyes I think… and I’m so happy and grateful also to hear from you E. Xoxo