Sunday, June 10, 2012

From Speedboat to Sailboat

I stormed the Gulf of Mexico for years
a speedboat zooming in and out of victim’s lives
racing solo, jumping hurdles zealously
a zigzag here and there without a backwards glance
a vortex voiding eyes of innocence
overpowered by a roar, a rev, a VROOM;
voracious as a barracuda on the prowl.

Until one day my engine crashed and burned,
left me floating in rough waters all alone.
I saw a sailboat sparkling in the sun
with glassy ripples flowing rhythmically,
found YOU at the cockpit, calm and cool
emanating peace as seagulls soared in harmony.

Your silent treatment blew my mind
as the wind slapped life into me
misty water splashed, cooled me down
a mix of salt and fish aroma wakening.

And all at once I knew the truth-
the wheel was not my own to navigate.
You are the wind, my guide in life.
I’ll let you sail this boat from here on out.

Copyright © 2012 Hannah Gosselin ~ Pier Post Persisting

©laurie kolp

Prompt inspiration-
Poetic Bloomings: #59 Water

Picture - Courtesy of Hannah Gosselin at Real Toads Sunday Challenge

12 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

OH, Laurie, what a fascinating way to take this photo. I love the last stanza.
K

Brian Miller said...

lovely...i like the contrast...and the metaphor for life change as well...and the realization too in what we can control....great piece..

Unknown said...

I love the symbolism...letting the wind or another, take control....

Archna Sharma said...

What a gorgeous moment of recollection and realization. It feels as though the wind will lead you and let you whirl now that you have given into its preservation. I love light and hope in our elements.

Hannah said...

Oh, MAN!!! Laurie!!! Your closing stanza sent a rush of goosebumps across my skin. I didn't realize your pov and point till the end and it made it that much more poignant and powerful. So very well written. Thank you for this, Laurie, such a good lesson in this, too. <3

Scarlet said...

I like the change of pace from fast to calm ~ I really like the last stanza ~

Susie Clevenger said...

We try to guide our boat in opposition to the wind...a poem of realization.

Kerry O'Connor said...

This is a poem to be read in so many different ways. I love the extended metaphor, was hooked from the first unexpected lines.

Liz Rice-Sosne said...

I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the poem.

Mary B. Mansfield said...

Love the layers of meaning in this, a great reminder of the need we all have to slow down.

sailboat said...

Great post on sail boat. Thanks for sharing.

Herotomost said...

Giving up control can feel so good eh....what a great message for a cool down after a manic Tuesday, thanks for that.