The conch sea shell is a reminder always
of where it is she really belongs
of small hands holding the beauty
of ocean waves within its’ confines
hugging her ear & she in awe and wonder
even now when she cradles it closely
and listens longingly and intently
she can see the waves building high
coming to crash along the sandy shore
where seabirds add calls to the score
to a music with a wondrous crescendo
the color of sea salt spraying her skin
the wind picking up the string section
with soprano highs & contralto lows
& a sky of variegated blues the backdrop
connecting the ocean stage to the horizon
unseeing of the stage hands hidden below
but bringing memories of dolphins dancing
upon the ocean stage & the magic of whale song
whose singing plays the melody all the while
she knows with utmost certainty she will return
to the place where she really belongs
© 2017 Renee Espriu
This was first posted in the last month issue of The Bezine, editor Jamie Dedes, which can be read in more detail at https://thebezine.com/project-type/the-bezine-vol-4-issue-1-music-anniversary-edition-oct-2017. There are two photos below taken from Public Domain Pictures and digitally altered.
reneejustturtleflight.com 
I love this, Renee – truly a beauty of a poem. I can hear a sea orchestra in your shell – so well described, along with the longing to return to the ocean!
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Thank you Betty. I always miss the ocean beaches of CA where I was raised and lived the first 25yrs of my life. My heart remains there.
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I can imagine, Renee. First time I ever saw the ocean (age 10) was in California, near Long Beach. Will never forget it. I do love Washington and Oregon beaches too, but there’s usually a chilly wind blowing.
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Perhaps the beach you went to is the same one I still love…who knows. I am happy you got to have the experience and yes WA beaches are far too cold. Be well.
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You be well too, Renee. Hope you’re having lots of good days.
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Nice job, Renee. Love the image as well. 😘
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Thank you Bela.
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Wonderful Renee, I remember as a child I was fascinated by these large shells, that you would put to your ear and listen to that ocean sound.. Love your art creation too Renee.. Hope you had a relaxing weekend.. and sending you lots of hugs over the ocean waves my friend xx
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Thank you Sue. It is the one thing I will always miss from California…the ocean. I played often in the waves and ate lots of sandwiches with sand in them. LOL I now live in Washington and have for many years but the ocean here is far away and very cold. I will leave Tuesday to go to CA to visit my dad, sister and niece but will not likely make it to the ocean once more. My sister works and I cannot afford to rent a car so transportation is limited. Will enjoy being there in any case. Be well.
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And you Renee and enjoy some family time together ❤
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Reading the comments and reminiscing about sand sandwiches from my upbringing in Australia. Thanks Renee for evoking a fleeting childhood of sunshine and smiles. I can smell the ocean air xx Lovely piece indeed
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I am happy you found your memory within my poem. I just returned from California and so enjoyed the sun and its’ warmth. I was able to visit my favorite beach and one I spent many happy hours as a girl on the sand and in the waves and surf. I miss it most of all living in Washington State where it rains so much in the Winter months. I was outside every day I was there. Thank you for your kind comments Diana.
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Lovely to catch up with your coastal venturing escapade. Waving to you from the soggy BC coast. 👋
I do make ever effort to dress dry and venture out for long walks at this time of year though…otherwise hellish cabin fever threatens.
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