I would choose to stroke you
but only at the peak of a flood tide
When, lying tame and exhausted
the dry sands suck what remains
of that famous ferment.
Frothing, gurgling as an infant
your narrow-lipped mouth
lapping where the rocks
cup hands and scoop you up

I would sanction you touching me.
Feet first, a toe dip, painted red, 
brown from the sun, thigh deep
waist deep. Hands patting, petting 
taming the last ripples of dissent.
Only then, legs outstretched
a horizontal hold beneath
buoyant and calm in your clasp

I would never trust you though
ever watchful of your undertow

36 thoughts on “Pact of a fire sign”

1. Mouth, lips, shins, feet, toes, thighs.
   The whole body reacts and twists. It’s so strong!

   1. thank you Harry – its certainly more than a gentle dip

2. This is a swoon-worthy poem, Laura! Wow! 😍 I especially admire this part; “I would sanction you for touching me. Feet first, a toe dip, painted red, brown from the sun.” Thank you so much for writing to the prompt ❤️❤️

   1. many thanks Sanaa for the prompt which prompted a reply to Neruda’s ocean – this fire sign is no waterbabe!

3. Just stunning, Laura, these lines especially:

   ‘I would sanction you touching me.
   Feet first, a toe dip, painted red,
   brown from the sun, thigh deep
   waist deep. Hands patting, petting
   taming the last ripples of dissent.’

   1. thanks Kim – its how I approach the ocean 😉

4. Leonids be aware of Scorpios who love by the liter! There’s a terrible sting to the surrender. Here in Florida we learn to swim cross purposes to undertowers.

   1. we Leos are not great swimmers even at cross purposes Brendan 😉

      1. We Leos are fooled by what we desire most. Like they say in AA, a drunk is a person on fire who jumps in the ocean and drowns. 🙂

         1. I’m more likely to jump in the bath :0

5. Ooh la la to give over, trust or no trust, to such a powerful being. Love the meticulous and alluring imagery in this, Laura.

   1. only after the poem was written did the innuendos rise to the surface Lisa but then water is the emotional medium

6. The imagery is captivating and such a powerful poem in the way you painted on what our minds take us. 🙂

   1. thank you – Neruda is a poet that sparks my imagination

      1. You welcome. Neruda is the best.

7. Talk about being taken away, immersed. I think the sea and shore have a thing going.

   1. thank you Colleen for being taken here

8. Those last two lines are so true…the sea can sneak up on you if you are not paying attention. (K)

   1. as can the untrustworthy

9. Yes the sensual ocean Laura but always with a wary knowing.

   1. indeed Stephen

10. What a telling uncovering of the narrator’s desire for a sensual relationship whilst maintaining a cautious degree of mistrust, Laura – wonderful…

    1. thank you – it does have that will she/wont she feel as when I first dip my toes to test the waters 😉

11. A lovely response to the prompt, Laura. I always enjoy all the different inspirations for a particular prompt. They are so varied.

    1. thank you Roberta

       1. 🌹

12. This held me captive with the seductive descriptions and then made me laugh out loud, Laura! I grew up at the beach in Southeast TX and you obviously KNOW the ocean and its treacherous behavior. Wonderful poem!

    1. many thanks Kim – I prefer to look most of the time

13. Ah! The classic ‘want you but want you not’ relationship! What a fabulous response to the quote, Laura.

    1. not quite a tease – just a hesitation so thank you

       1. Yes, of course. You are welcome.

14. A stunning response to the Neruda line, Laura! The closing stanza is so powerful and true.

    1. many thanks Merril – Neruda is such a stirring poet

       1. You’re welcome, Laura!

15. Oh my… Evocative words Laura. Exciting and thought provoking my friend. 🙂✌🏼🫶🏼

    1. thank you Rob for such appreciation

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