I listened to the ocean today
As the wind blew in melodic waves
It’s a sound I’ve never forgotten
Such a place I’ll forever crave
The sea so soothingly tranquil
Still playing its music in my head
Vivid memories of a distant shore
Seen from the comfort of my bed
© 2017 Michelle Cook
There’s a stormy sea
grown inside of me
It began with a patch of foam
then grew into an unkind home
I’ve watched it churn
I’ve seen the swirls
bleak yet brilliant
as each unfurls
Memories fuel
the murky brew
sad and sorrowful
images of you
The outer waves
seem almost serene
but underneath
is a raging scene
There are the days when
the waters shimmer
but as the world turns
things start to simmer
Sandy crystals
flee my palms
I breath deeper
to remain calm
Once again
I try to leave
but like a prisoner
I can only grieve
I start to lose pieces
of what was me
watching as the waves
carry them out to sea
This old rhythmic cycle
beginning once more
whilst I’m still tied
to this weathered shore
© 2024 Michelle Cook
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/sea-sunset-beautiful-landscape-3203731/
Summer days with dad
We never knew what we’d find
Fishing off the pier
© 2021 Michelle Cook
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/fishing-dad-daughter-sunset-nature-4553149/
Writing prompt: Smelly smells and freaky finds
She knew she was getting closer
as the crashing of the waves
could be heard just ahead.
And with each thunderous roar,
she felt the beckoning vibrations
welcoming her home.
Those undulating arms
grew her anticipation,
each surge increasing her desire
for all she had missed.
And as the last golden mound appeared,
her excitement could hardly be contained.
For she knew in just a few more moments
she’d be dipping her eager toes
in those wonderful frothy tides.
One last hurdle was all it took,
and then a sigh and gasp broke free.
It was even more beautiful
than she’d remembered,
and a sea of gleaming diamonds
met her wondrous gaze.
The lolly she’d been enjoying
suddenly fell forgotten.
The shiny morsel deeply embedded
in the powdery sand.
The jaw-dropping scene
left her limp and bedazzled.
The setting much too impressive
for any other cares.
© 2021 Michelle Cook
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/north-sea-mother-child-boy-499030/
Writing Prompt: Lost loves and unlickable lollipops
Sky blue eyes
And a soft squishy belly
Kind warm smile
Often watching the telly
Passionately patriotic
And oh so humble
Hardly ever a complaint
Or any kind of grumble
Lover of his country
A soldier he became
Flying the flag high
In every parade
Talented carpenter
Was his dedicated trade
Whistling while he worked
A lovely tune and serenade
Green thumbed man
And lover of nature
His dedication to God
Should have made him a preacher
Skilled kite maker
And master kite flyer
Practically nothing
Could ever go higher
Lifesaver candies
And minty cigarettes
Things he would one day
Very much regret
Was it black coffee
Or earl grey tea?
As I contentedly bounced
On his never tiring knee
Crackers and sardines
He shared them well
Convincingly trying
To tell me they were swell
Tums for indigestion
He always had a pack
And even though it pained him
His smile never lacked
Rosy red cheeks
And an almost bald head
Read his Bible every night
Before going off to bed
Sadly enough
It’s now been too long
I can’t even remember
His favorite song
He now rests with grandma
Still whistling his serenades
And his kindhearted demeanor
Will certainly never fade
I miss him immensely
He gave me my love for life
But I’m so very thankful
He’s now free from pain and strife
© 2021 Michelle Cook
*This is an older poem, written in 2017. It was written in loving memory of my grandfather, who meant the world to me.
Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/beach-bird-nature-ocean-outdoors-1846694/
Her Writing Haven 