Welcome, and happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.) I’m so happy you’ve dropped by. Whether you’re a regular participant in the Poetry Friday world, or you ended up here from a search or a link, please know that we’re a welcoming community! Read, comment, think, share, and enjoy!
I’ve been away for a few weeks due to some unexpected travel to Florida to help my sister move my dad into memory care. Then she came up to Minnesota for a long-planned visit, and my dad passed away her second day here. It’s been a rough few weeks. (Weeks/months/years where Dad was concerned.) His passing was fairly peaceful and honestly a blessing. He hated how diminished his body had become, and with his mind going too…he was a shell of his former self. Still, it’s hard, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing more about my parents in future writings.
Now, onto a happier topic: poetry! I know I’ve shared about 40 Poems for 40 Weeks before, but I wanted to share with you this cool video with David Harrison, Tim Rasinski, and Sylvia Vardell.
And, while I’m so honored to have a poem in this book, I don’t think I’ve actually shared my poem here before. No time to create an image poem this week, but here’s the text.
The Ocean Deep
Far below us,
Secrets sleep.
Secrets hidden
Fathoms deep.
Much unseen.
Much unknown
Of trench and drift,
Of fin and bone,
Where creatures dwell,
Where shipwrecks go.
Let’s explore
The dark below.
–Copyright Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with the creative Heidi Mordhorst, poet, teacher, and inspirer of many young poets!
16 Responses
Oh, Laura! It has been rough, hasn’t it? I remember seeing photos of your dad and hearing about his character…I can imagine how hard it was for him to struggle like that. Sending bushels of love and peace to you. xo
P.S. I love “The Ocean Deep”!
Oh, Laura, I’m so sorry! What a few weeks (and months and years.) I can relate. I’m so very sorry for your loss. May your dad rest in peace.
“The Ocean Deep” is wonderful!
Much unseen.
Much unknown
applies to so much in life. 🙂 Peace to you, friend!
Laura, your poem is a gem. I love the flow of lines in each stanza. Great opening: Far below us,/Secrets sleep and the ending: Let’s explore/The dark below. Congratulations ob this poem that is in the new anthology by Harrison and Rasinski.
So sorry for your loss, Laura. My thoughts are with you. Congratulations on your poem publication. I love its rhyme and rhythm. The last stanza, especially, is such a wonderful invitation to readers!
Where creatures dwell,
Where shipwrecks go.
Let’s explore
The dark below.
My condolences to you and your sister. I understand the relief that comes at the end when a loved one has been dying for sometime. Peace to you all. Congratulations are also in order, Laura, for the publication of “The Ocean Deep” — This will be a delightful addition, and I imagine children spending a week with your poem, creating and exploring.
Hi Laura. So sorry for. your loss and it made me recall many trips I made to Florida during the ends of my parents’ lives. I hope your family finds peace.
I love your ocean poem! “Secrets sleep./Secrets hidden.” You hook the reader in the first stanza. What a great project! I need to get this book for some of the children in my family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Even when we want this end to suffering, there is something tugging after a loss. Thanks for sharing your ocean poem. The rhythm is delightful.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. And I love the 40 poets book.
Thinking of you in this time of loss.
I haven’t seen the book yet, but am looking forward to it. I love your use of words like fathom and trench, the short lines, the rhyme, the flow of the stanzas. It’s a gem of a poem.
Our lives are an emotional rollercoaster, Laura and this is most evident in your post. In offering my condolences I trust you will find solace in your memories of your dad and satisfaction in your poetic achievements. I really enjoyed The Ocean Deep and its rhyming stanzas. Living close to the sea made for a strong connection for me as a reader.
Laura, I’m so sorry to hear this. We are at the age of loss, aren’t we? I look forward to your “fathoms deep” recollections of your parents. I’ll come back to the video–great project!
Laura, you could retitle your poem “Emotions Deep” and it would still work. Dive into writing the grief of your father’s death when you’re ready. When your oxygen tank is full enough to take you there.
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. No matter the circumstances, we morn the leaving of those we love. Peace to you and your family.
Laura, I am so sorry you’ve experienced the loss of your father. It is a difficult time, I’m sure. My dad passed away in February and I miss him. I hope warm memories of him and his healthy years give you some comfort. As far as your poetry, I’m always amazed at your creativity with words. Thanks for sharing the poem you have in the new anthology. I can imagine kids being curious as they read it. Congratulations!
Wonderful poem, Laura –so accessible for all of us children 🙂
The volume is a gift for classrooms!
I hope you and your sister (and families) will find the time to process your loss. Having lost my own father recently, I understand the time this takes. Thinking of you!