Tuesday, July 31, 2018

"Beachside"


Beachside

I shake out the quilt, flip flops anchor corners,
and I'm beached for remainder of day;
cry of seagulls and sun upon my eyelids
an aphrodisiac I'm far too weak to fight.

May drag myself to water's edge mid-afternoon,
dip my toes, but full immersion's usually reserved for August.

Frolicking, chilly surf fazes not my children,
their chatter weaving in and out of my reverie
as they fill in, fill up pail after pail with water
for castle moat until waves rhreaten their creation;

even I, sun-drenched drunk, sigh deeply, heave myself up,
move our sandy outpost out of harms way,

glad lifeguards scan horizon and shoreline
for far more serious danger,
watch as seagull and shell garnishes are devoured
by ocean's surge and my children laugh it off,

run past my oasis, shroud me with sand.
I suppose my penance for being lazy.

by Margaret Bednar, July 31, 2018

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - The Tuesday Platform

11 comments:

Sanaa Rizvi said...

Ooh yes I remember my mother explaining to us when we were children both the joys and dangers of the ocean. We were usually not permitted to go to the beach in July-August.

Anmol (HA) said...

A beach scene, well captured, in both its laziness and activity.
As long as everyone is out of harm's away, the concerns are endearing.
-HA

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love this scene, the busy children, the watchful, protective mother. Beautifully done, Margaret.

Thotpurge said...

sun drenched drunk... like that image though even the thought of a 36 deg C summer sun in this part of the world only drives one to the shade...

Sreeja said...

loved this...cozy, lovely with a bit of concern!!

Kim M. Russell said...

Oh, the laziness of this scene, Margaret! I can hear the gulls and feel the sun even though it's nearly nine o'clock and it's getting dark and the only sound in the house is the washing machine! I love the stanza about the children weaving in and out of reverie.

brudberg said...

This is so filled with sun-glitter and sand... love the way you created your paradise.

Anonymous said...

even I, sun-drenched drunk, sigh deeply, heave myself up,

- this is the capturing of the total moment - isn't it? how the sun just tires you out .... and the sea lulls and the sand is hot and the children are just free to play and dream ...

lovely poem Margaret .... and ahem, I spied presumably your initials on the wonderfully delightful and whimsical image? yes???
it's truly lovely for its energy and colours and all ~ it's rather special :)

kaykuala said...

run past my oasis, shroud me with sand.
I suppose my penance for being lazy.

Payback time is relevant any time in the future. One has to accept it and perhaps be more prepared at other times later! Great lines Marge!

Hank

Carrie Van Horn said...

Your poem paints the perfect beach scene Margaret. Makes my heart want to be there!!

Marian said...

Really nice, Margaret. I love the art!!
We are getting ready to head to the beach ourselves. :)