Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Summer Afternoon by the Sound


Summer Afternoon by the Long Island Sound

I see it as it was, freshly frosted with summer's light
In August, with a shimmering glisten upon the water.
The stillness of the sound sparkling under the sun
as soft conversations glided on with no trace of discontent,
The socially-distanced placement of tables ready for
Multi-colored masks making their entrance,
The clink of glasses toasting the day,
The boats shimmering and the bright sun
Beaming in the glorious sky, colors dancing across water,
Whispers of unheard conversation, clatter of dishes
Passing by with a smoking speciality rising toward
Billowy summer clouds spread against a blue sky-
Stillness was noted as we spoke of anniversaries past.
All these simple visions of an afternoon by the sound
Linger in a time when quarantining changed our summer lives. 

It seems like July 31st was eons ago since a numberless array of dark days on Long Island  have passed after Tropical Storm Isaias raged. This memory was a brief afternoon of summer peace that brought back past Long Island summer days of warmth, free-spirited contentment, and serenity.  Tonight I thought why not lighten my mood so I found Emma Lazurus' poem of a Long Island Sound memory. Using her poem as a mentor text, I concentrated on the images described not the rhyming verse. This choice provided me with more freedom when sharing the sights I saw on Long Island's north shore ten days ago. 

Long Island Sound  by Emma Lazurus

I see it as it looked one afternoon
In August, - by a fresh soft breeze o'erblown.
The swiftness of the tide, the light thereon,
A far-off sail, white as a crescent moon.
The shining waters with pale currents strewn,
The quiet fishing-smacks, the Eastern cove,
The semi-circle of its dark green grove.
The luminous grasses, and the merry sun
In the grave sky; the sparkle far and wide,
Laughter of unseen children, cheerful chirp
Of crickets, and low lisp of rippling tide,
Light summer clouds fantastical as sleep
Changing unnoted while I gazed thereon.
All these fair sounds and sights I make my own.

Last week, I missed writing with Two Writing Teachers because of the power shortage caused by the storm. I did not want to miss the opportunity to connect with friends this week so I am happy to have found quiet time amidst the hectic pace of after-storm clean-up and prepping my house for prospective home buyers. As Slice of Life Tuesday begins, I link up to "engage with the stories of other slicers, connect and support each other as writers, as teachers of writers, and as humans living through challenging times." 


News:
Last month, I was sent an email from Anuj AgarwalFEEDSPOT, #Feedspot Founder of Feedspot.com.  
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog, Beyond LiteracyLink has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 40 Children's Poetry Blogs on the web. 
 This link accompanied the email: https://blog.feedspot.com/childrens_poetry_blogs/.

8 comments:

  1. The memory of a pleasant summer afternoon in the midst of pandemic and storms this summer is a treasure. And reading it is truly calming.

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    1. I needed to write something that would place me in a relaxed mood before bedtime, Diane. Thanks for joining me.

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  2. The pandemic and storm together are heavy to carry. Add the plan to sell the house - admirable how you are holding up. It takes effort to find and create the calm. Poetry and art are such great tools during difficult times. As always you make magic with your words. Sending many warm wishes your way!

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    1. Life is a stressor right now but with faith and hope I will get through it. It is the writing and connecting with friends like you who clear the path. Thanks, Terje, for your soothing words.

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  3. The mind is a wonderful thing. It lets us see things as they are and also as they were. Old memories and new memories are all a part of us and bring us peace and joy in troubled times.

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    1. Thanks for the lovely comment. It is inspirational.

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  4. Writing heals! And you certainly gave power to that in your serene poem of your memories.
    Sending good thoughts your way.

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    1. Writing does heal. When I am "blue", I know that I can turn to writing as a beneficial distraction. Thanks for joining me here.

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