Impressions

Walking along the sandy beaches
wind pushing against her like
swimming against the current
she is reminded of childhood
gone as though memories spent
when each day meant another

Sand making its’ way into her
shoes, into her clothes pulled
close around her as she hugs
herself closely, eyeing the
waves crash, incoming tides
leaving seaweed in her midst

Impressions of footprints she
leaves follow her briefly to
be washed away by salty brine
as the tears quickly mix with
ocean spray to erase all time
of a sun’s warming afterglow

The day sets quickly behind a
horizon displayed of reflected
colors on a watery ocean glass
rendering her figure merely a
dark silhouette lost to a past
as the sea reclaims the shore

© November 2011 Renee Espriu

12 Replies to “Impressions”

  1. Ahhh sometimes those memories make us smile, bring an inner glow in their remembering and a tear of happiness and yet, others make us cry for their recollected pain. Beautiful piece from your gifted pen.
    RYN: I saw some of the soldiers return from tours in Northern Ireland when it was at the height of all the pub bombings and such, young Catholic teen girls & women being shaved bald and literally tarred & feathered for dating soldiers.
    None of the soldiers ever came back the same. Living on the constant knife edge of fear changes them. And that is why I am so deeply grateful for their service, no matter in what trade they serve. Each and every man and woman from the cooks to the medics to the boots on the ground, they are all everyday hero’s in my eyes. Glad your son is home safe Renee. Hugs.

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  2. A beautiful piece Renee. I particularly liked. . .
    “wind pushing against her like
    swimming against the current”
    …that is just what is feels like sometimes, I read that and knew exactly what that felt like. Very nicely described. 🙂

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    1. Thank you Susannah! I actually love walking along the beach and as I grew up visiting them frequently during the Summer months, I miss that now I can no longer go as often as they are further away.

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  3. this is so amazing and beautiful. it truly forms a tinge of nostalgia- reminded me of my own brief visit to sea beaches.

    that powerful gust of breeze blowing from across the ocean. delicious.

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    1. I don’t know what I would do without the ocean at times in my life. I had it often when a child but when I moved here it is further away so if I want to go it is a ways to drive. I am glad you have visited them. Thanks Trisha!

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  4. The beach, or the ocean often causes us to reflect on things gone by, a place that is happy and serene, yet a place of perhaps memories that have long been submerged or taken away. When I look to the ocean I view a place where all is left behind, a relaxing, tranquil place. However, I guess it can be also a place where our very dreams are swept up by the current thereby rendering us filled with longing of places long ago. Very well done Renee, extraordinary images!Candy

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  5. you had me captivated in the scene Renee, as I walked along side her with wind and tasting the sea-salt mingled with tears…
    I remember walking a similar path many years ago alone on a deserted shore.. But although the Sun set, as the shadows closed in.. She soon found brightness in the New Dawn… I hope too the one who walked your own lonely shore found herself…
    Beautiful photo… in fact ALL your graphics photos are wonderful that you add to your poems Renee..
    Love and Blessings xx

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    1. Thank you again! You always give me more confidence and encouragement to do more, to write the next post with a little more of something special. I so love to write and it so adds to my life.

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