On my family's journey to celebrate my husband's life, I was touched by the beauty of nature, longed for the ocean dancing beyond the beach, and felt a feeling of family togetherness. Looking back on life, I realized that sunshine and the beach were an important part of my marriage. We gathered there with family and friends, listened to concerts, and walked barefoot in the sand. My daughter's wedding took place in a beautiful church, St. Mary of the Isles, a block away from the ocean, so it made sense that one way to honor my husband was to be near the Atlantic Ocean.
"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet
and the winds long to play with your hair."
- Kahlil Gibran (one of our favorite authors)
Barefoot At the Beach
standing still on the edge of the shore
I watch children bobbing in and out
like the dolphins in the far distance
flood currents splash to shore
in a rhythmic pattern
sand castles whoosh away and
footprints in the sand dissolve as
the ebb and flow of waves arrive
hidden in my soul, grief lies waiting
for the ocean to wash away sorrow
and the sun to dry the tears
barefoot we stand honoring
the husband, father, and grandfather
who loved us all
©CV, September 2025
Reflective Memory
I walk barefoot
as many others do
along the shore of wet sand.
I listen to cool, lapping waters
create a solemn, sacred moment.
Mindfully, I pause.
My mind and body calm down.
Anxiety lessons, knowing that
healing will be a slow,
God-blessed process
during the journey of life.
©CV, September 2025
This month, the Spiritual Journey group of writers under the leadership of Linda Mitchell is writing to a singular word, barefoot. The prompt is simple and timely for me since my family has been lovers of the ocean, shore, and sand for decades. To honor my husband's life, my small family traveled to three beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean: Cape May, the South Shore of Long Island, and Coney Island. The journey was filled with multiple therapeutic moments.
I borrowed the beautiful logo for Poetry Friday from Margaret Simon, host of the Poetry Friday Roundup. The picture brings me to another slow-down, calming moment or two. Margaret offers a love poem to silence that is lovely enough for several reads.
Carol, as ocean waters fill the footprints in the sand and dissolve them leaving the unblemished beach in its wake, may time erase the grief in your heart and replace with the joyful memories of the life you had with Richard. Bob
ReplyDeleteBob, thank you for stopping by.and being so supportive. I would like to erase grief so I can stop being distracted. I stopped waking each morning looking for Richard but I still talk to him, especially when I struggle with the bills. I am glad that I have fond memories from the 9-day journey to the beaches. I know that Richard would have enjoyed being with the family. Have a wonde4rful week.
DeleteCarol, Barefoot at the Beach filled me with the sensory experience of walking on a beach near the sounds of the ocean. I’m so glad you were able to honor Richard and his legacy with a trip together. May you continue to find purpose and peace in each new day.
ReplyDeleteCarol, the honesty of emotion shines through in your words-'hidden in my soul, grief lies waiting for the ocean to wash away sorrow and the sun to dry the tears.' You allow the reader to feel a sense of connectedness to the inner you. The sea has healing powers beyond our comprehension and yes, it is amazing how our memories wrap around a multitude of maritine moments surrounding our lives. May you continue to walk barefoot on the beach and experience its healing powers.
ReplyDelete"healing will be a slow, god-blessed process" is such a beautiful line, awesome truth and something that I always want to remember. Thank you, Carol for blessing me with some barefoot goodness.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I am just getting around to posting and commenting for SJT. I feel myself walking beside you on the sands... in the journey of life, alongside loved ones...you remind me of a dream I had long ago. I was somewhere in a sunlit copse near a shore, with a group of young folks. I knew them in my dream, and we were all singing a familiar, joyful song...as I began to waken, I desperately struggled to remember the people and the song. I could not. I was left only with a great longing to get back to those joyful moments. I feel this same thread pulling while reading your post and beautiful poems - an ethereality, something too pure and precious for this world, running through it. The reality is faith. It guides us to transcend all that weighs us down, with deep gratitude for the good gifts of God, and that we can rely on his promises. Knowing this...we can dance alongside that ocean, barefoot in the sand, rejoicing. You exude amazing strength, my friend, even if you do not always feel it. A channel of blessing indeed. Thank you-
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, poignant poems, Carol. I'm glad you found comfort and solace with your family spending time along the shore. The ebb and flow of the waters is a great metaphor for feelings of grief and healing. Keeping you in my thoughts, as always. xo
ReplyDeleteCarol, your two poems capture beautifully this special time. I know your family is grateful to have shared these moments together at beaches to remember your husband/father/grandfather. You captured the rhythmic flow so well, I felt as if I were standing barefoot beside you. Sending hugs and love as you continue this slow, healing journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart, Carol. Your love for the beach and your family (especially your husband) is evident.
ReplyDeleteBoth of your poems touched my heart. Your poems are a beautiful tribute and express your emotions in a deeply heartfelt way. xo
ReplyDelete