The waves are in slow retreat, leaving almost straight and matted tide lines of marine deposits, carried from their distant depths. I pick through them, like remnants in a haberdashery store. At first, there's nothing much of note until the eyes acclimatize to broken claws and shells with piercings, marbled stones that sparkle or those with finger hugging shapes. I've found a little petrified Buddha and popped him in my pocket. It does not go unnoticed. From their dense huddles, gulls peer side-eyed, attention on the water. It would be nice to close the gap between us, to stand momentarily with them and stare westward out to sea. But at the one-step-too-near approach, they screech and wheel in loud claps of feather to air departures. I'm struck by the triangulation of elements; the elementary flight over the rolling mass of water and I, feet in the sand, stranded as seaweed.

sailors homecoming
fishwives waving long goodbyes
all drawn by the moon

22 thoughts on “Comings and goings”

1. Beautiful images, Laura. Your words have really captured the feeling AND the scene.

   1. This moment left a deep impression – thank you Mary

2. This phrase made me laugh: “like remnants in a haberdashery store.” Your whole poem took me in detail to my solitary ramblings and musings on the shore. I wish I had written this!

   1. Can’t resist the oddments bin! Seashores are captivating – lovely, generous comment – many thanks Susan

3. That triangulation of elements…you’ve captured it so well and it resonates in your haiku as well.

   1. The hardest part is matching but not duplicating with the haiku so thank you for reassuring words

4. Some truly mesmerizing images here, Laura ❤️ Excellent write 🙂

   1. Lovely Sanaa ❤

5. Without even mentioning the season, the imagery makes me think of fall. There is a strong sense of solitude perhaps, or it’s the photo, but I sense that cold wind blowing.

   1. Interesting as had not considered the season

6. This is very beautiful, and reminded me of seabirds, huddled together and facing out to sea before a storm.

   1. You have the picture just right Sherry –

7. Feather to air departures.. When you really stop and think..triangulate the world it is rather amazing – thank you for making us appreciate both the comings and goings and goings and comings

   1. Never ceasing tidal changes in that triangle – thank you!

8. I ebbed in tide reading this…

   1. please come back again!

9. How I loved reading this Laura. There is nothing better that to walk on the beach fossicking the waters edge and talking to the gulls.

   1. thank you – and for providing a new word: to fossick

10. Beautiful description and reflection.

    1. Thank you – quite a pensive piece on a recent holiday

11. stranded as seaweed
    captures happiness for me

    1. Happiness is …a tide line

Comments are closed.