Glass, old and rheumy, like a mariner’s sea-worn eyes;
paper, yellowed and brittle, from many long years
inside. A scrawl of swirls like deep-sea shells,
from times and lands unknown, writ by a hand
bleached clean by salt, down by Neptune’s throne:
My one true love, to cold embrace,
this ocean calls me now. To frigid sleep
in chambers deep, I soon will ferry down.
My ship is stilled, yours must sail on
to daybreak, happiness and wonder
beyond. My love for you, with final breath,
shall endure, I swear, through life
and past death.
A pale sun kisses Sorrento sand, as gulls swoop
to play amongst foam; a bottle borne
by indifferent waves, carries its burden home.
– Ryan Stone
Grabs you from the first line, Ryan. Wonderful!
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Thank you, Sarah. I was a bit dubious about whether to post it or not. Lovely feedback π
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I can hear the waves raging the bottle to and fro. You are a master in aquatic’s words’ empire. I loved it of course, every morsel of it.
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Nice one! Thank you as always, Dajena π
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welcome as always mr. Stone π
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Incredible, Ryan
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Thanks, Kelly! I read a news article a little while ago about a message in a bottle that washed up years after the author died and it got my mind spinning. I appreciate your feedback, as always π
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Have you ever done that? I’ve buried time capsules but never sent a message in a bottle. Now I have The Police in my head! I was recently at Virginia Beach & there is a beautiful sculpture on the beach there of King Neptune. Love your piece here. Sorry for rambling-
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Haha, your rambling is most welcome. I never have but I might give it a go. Maybe I’ll stick this poem in a bottle and throw it in the ocean π
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I think that’s a wonderful thought! Just think of the effect it would have on its recipient π
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Stunning, R! Especially love the letter & the last couple of lines. Leaves the heart floating in a sea of sadness… If you’ll excuse my very poor attempt to jump on the metaphor bandwagon π
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Metaphor bandship? Lol. Always love hearing your feedback, Yusra. Thank you for taking the time. I hope you’ve had a magic Christmas and New Years π
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Bandship!!! Yes!!! Now why didn’t think of that? Hahah π¬ You’re always welcome. π
Thank you, it’s been hectic but wonderful indeed! Hope both went marvellously for you too. Australian summer-Christmas always fascinates me. π
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I liked this one, Ryan…
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Thank you, Carisa π
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π
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What great poetry…i love the use of figurative language here, especially the personification of the ocean – it garners such vivid images from the minds eye…
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Thank you! I’m enjoying my journey through your site at this moment. You are very talented.
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You are welcome and thanks π
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I should have not informed you that an ocean crashes near my window— “My one true love, to cold embrace,
this ocean calls me now!” π
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Haha, yes-that was bad timing!
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Like hell π π
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