
I am still faithfully following
petals as paths
with my soul’s whispered directions
to where you are at,
the one to reciprocate
all this love I have,
and along the way,
I’ve grown to love
the way
I am.

Poem and images ©LauraDenise
Poet. Writer. Photographer.
I am still faithfully following
petals as paths
with my soul’s whispered directions
to where you are at,
the one to reciprocate
all this love I have,
and along the way,
I’ve grown to love
the way
I am.
Poem and images ©LauraDenise
The pull of the day,
of the years,
of everyone’s needs
leaves shadows
and cavities
from ebb’s
never-ending
taking,
but the sun’s
reflection
warms me
in oranges,
and the glow
stays.
The light
one way
or another
will
illuminate,
independent of
ever reaching
that haunted,
hollowed
space.
Poem and images ©LauraDenise
Tide flows,
tide ebbs,
changing, hiding,
revealing the edges
of division.
I watch
the transitions,
half dream-drifting,
half paying
detail-attention.
Always thinking.
I ponder on
the ebb and flow,
how one takes
and the other gives
in its rhythmic dance
to and fro
and how taking
can also be
giving,
and giving be
taking,
and for each,
the difference
is in the
seeking and releasing.
We send bottled messages
afloat, hopeful for
its accurate delivery
and offer what we desire
for burial at sea;
we collect treasures
and look for clues
from gods and mermaids
Destiny-strewn.
I notice in the wet sand
in between surf’s blanketing,
a secret passageway,
a ladder to dreams,
unless, of course,
it’s an evil illusion,
a detour or trap
set by opposing forces.
I wonder
how much
is serendipity
and divine intervention
verses taking control
and free will’s actions,
if choosing the evanescent
option not on the maps
is a test of fortitude
or foolish brassiness.
Another option,
nonetheless, is presented:
two piers to walk,
but only one may
have no end.
Poem and images by Laura Denise
The sea calls,
the tide pulls,
all are drawn
to the edge
where the surf plays
freely for all
such soothing,
soulful hymns.
Great Blue Heron wades,
slows even the waves,
pausing time, as I
fall
in suit,
the last two on earth
walking side by side…
Poem and images ©LauraDenise
Not a beanstalk,
but it might as well be,
magic seeds
sprouting the way
to giant dreams,
and in the center,
a sunbeam
passes through
a hole in a leaf
purposefully
to reach me,
or is it simply that light
is at the center
of all belief?
Insignificant
the manmade pier seems,
foolishly leading
horizontally…
Poem and image ©LauraDenise
Less than two dollars.
Never richer.
The sea oats
have grown tall;
I let them
skim my palm,
feel the tickles
gifted from heaven
as the sea’s soul
is orchestra lifted
above the tides
of this earth
to scoop me up
with open arms
into the surf.
I offer all I’ve brought
to sacrifice to God,
releasing the heavy,
releasing the pain,
hoping the ghosts
will choose escape
as I make it more
uncomfortable
to haunt these
inner spaces
tarnished, turning gold
from the light
of love
joining the soul’s.
My feet sink
in the warm silk
as my heart,
with you inside,
even more
fills.
Buoyant become
the weights
as the shackles and chains
give way
to become part
of the dark, watery
grave.
Today, I take
back my life.
Today the curse,
I unwind.
Wet feet,
sand clinging,
I walk back
and through my fingers,
the sea oats feel
the difference
as the sun
awakens,
rises to kiss
me so gently
once
again….
Poem and images ©LauraDenise
Winds to be reckoned with
do more than make waves;
all evidence of human existence
is entirely without-trace erased.
Reset is the playing field.
Wiped clean, the slate.
Denied are the attempts
to leave any more prints.
The only impressions saved
are those upon the heart.
Is your legacy of love
enough to advance
to the next
start?
Poem and images ©LauraDenise
Before they drown me,
I set them free,
release regrets
to the benevolent sea.
The negative leaves
in the ebb,
and in return
brings baptism.
Another rebirth,
a buoyant start,
no more weight
syncing me
to the dark.
Crest reflects
heaven’s light,
angels waking
at sunrise.
Arms spread wide
as the flow approaches,
submerged in the healing
saltwater solution.
Poem and image ©LauraDenise
Forever is the moment
that stills me
when everything
is swirling inside
my heart, my soul,
my mind…
Forever is the moment
that absolves me,
that nature bestows,
head bowed or not,
heart knotted or atoned.
Forever is the moment
that holds me
so personally close,
the rays extended
to touch
with warmth.
Forever is the moment
that soaks me,
in waves that rebirthe
or ripples that trickle
to my inner caverns
where I buried
the treasure
of me
in a chest of fear,
where only the mermaids
are entrusted
with the key
shaped from
my tears.
Forever is the moment
I carry with me
in every moment
I am away
from the sea.
Poem and images ©LauraDenise