We were in Florida last week, on the gulf side, close to Clearwater Beach. It was beautiful. Sunny… every day, temperatures in the 80’s…every day.
We spent time near the water, and submerged ourselves in the water once. It felt wonderful. We walked along beaches and enjoyed the fine, white, sugar sand, and seeing the awesome shades of turquoise water, beautiful blue skies, shore birds, sea shells, sail boats. We “soaked” it all in…sun, waves, sea air, warm temps.
Usually when I am on the water’s edge I look for sea shells…(or rocks if I’m on Lake Superior’s rocky shore). I can’t help myself. As I walked along looking for shells I thought about a poem I wrote several years ago. I looked it up after we returned home and am sharing it below.
Along the Sea (2010) Here I go again... Walking along the beach, Tides go out, tides come in, I’m open to what it’ll teach. Water rolling over the toes, Sun sparkling across the sea, The gentle sound of waves, All soothes the core of me. I walk along and sing psalms As the pulsing waves repeat, I feel a sense of calm As my eyes draw to my feet. I reach down for a token From the bounty of the sea. And check to see if it’s broken, If so, I toss it back quickly. I can’t resist, so I pick up more Searching for one without mars, Noting what likeness to people they bore, Broken, wounded, with scars. So, I start being less selective And find new beauty in these... My mind gently corrected As I choose shells along the sea.
How beautiful Valerie, both your poem and your pictures.
Thank you Lori. It’s really hard to take pictures of shells without sand. HA
Beautiful images. Beautiful poem with a beautiful perspective.
Thanks Audrey. I appreciate your comments.
What a talented poet you are! I have a seashell collection from both coasts and such a beautiful variety. Something very peaceful in walking along a beach 🏝 and you have captured it!
Walking on the beach is very peaceful!
It would be fun to compare the shells from each coast.
I love the perspective in your poem! The sunset photo is awesome!
Thanks Starr.
Thank you for sharing your precious poem Valerie! I loved thinking of you walking the shore looking for treasures!
Ah, that’s sweet. Thanks Mary Jane.
Valerie, beautiful poem to match your beautiful photos. What is it about being near water that is so healing? I could feel the calm through what you shared. It made me smile!
Thank you Sheri. I agree, water is healing, on many levels.