“I must go down to the seas again...
to the vagrant gypsy life,
to the gull's way and the whale's way,
where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn
from a laughing fellow rover,
a sweet dream and a quiet sleep
when the long trick's over.”
'Sea Fever' - John Masefield
I ask for no memorial
no headstone, tomb, or tree
for all are finite, in their time,
no – these are not for me.
So scatter far my last remains,
my soul shall long have flown
to where I left my heart that day
so many years ago.
Even though my one true love
just didn’t have the strength
to watch me fading hour on hour
I’d have chosen him again.
So cast my ashes to the wind,
let them drift upon the waves
and I, at last, shall be at peace
as I wend my carefree way.
And as you stand and reminisce
by the plaque on Southwold Pier
even though my name is there
know I did not tarry here...
For I shall ever be a part
of this wondrous, mighty sea,
the sparkle on the water...
the spray that kissed your cheek.
Comments
Blessing | December 31, 2011 - 18:41
There's no denying there's rememberance on the site right now which also helps to tap into our own feelings about death as your piece so poetically does.
Silver Spun Sand | December 31, 2011 - 18:46
Thank you, Blessing. You have no idea how much your kind words mean.
Tina
Highhat | December 31, 2011 - 19:02
Lovely to see these words as if your daughter had written them through you Tina.
Be strong
all the best
;)Pia
Silver Spun Sand | December 31, 2011 - 19:10
Thank you, Pia, from my heart.
Tina
Prettyrose | December 31, 2011 - 22:43
like always perfectly thought out and written :) Happy new year.
keep writing
keep smiling :)
Juniperus | January 1, 2012 - 08:26
A truly beautiful poem:)
I am strongly reminded of Christina Rossetti's "Remember"
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more, day by day,
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Silver Spun Sand | January 1, 2012 - 09:14
Prettyrose - thank you;-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | January 1, 2012 - 09:17
Juniperus - thank you for your words, and for reminding me of Christina Rosetti's. A truly beautiful poem which is of great comfort...not only to me, but to many others.
Cavalcaderl | January 1, 2012 - 09:54
new Silver-Spun-Sand
Tina, amazing poem, sad with so
much meanings in it, too maybe memories.
So beautifully expressed and written.
I know must be true! of or someone dear to you!
Unless comes from a poet!
Well deserved cherries!
Excellent POTY=POEM OF THE YEAR.
Wishing you a happy new year 2012
We stayed up, one "Snowball drink!
looked out door cheers! to all, street desserted
Opened back door neighbours, we shouted "Sand Auld Le Sign" think spelt wrong. On high step, couild see
Ray and I did, party didn't go, cancelled too, not enough going, but neighbour came round dashing and running,huge box Thorntons Chocolates,whipped in drink, dashed back! that was so nice. Seems dead world,if don't go out and celebrate, no one about.
Ray had a chocolate liquor, not tried. Scotland go mad think! Brother up there. T.V look having a ball of a time! I like your "Fireworks" poem best on behalf of your lovely daughter you wrote, and let me read out once. Take care!
cavalcaderl julie xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 1, 2012 - 10:43
Hi, Julie. Happy new year;-)
Pleased you enjoyed and many thanks for letting me know.
Tina xx
MistakenMagic | January 1, 2012 - 15:00
I studied the original Old English poems like 'The Seafarer' last year and this is so reminiscent of them, Tina. Beautiful phrases and an eery rhythm. Wonderful!
Magic xxx
chuck | January 1, 2012 - 15:04
Once again SSS....words seem inadequate.
Silver Spun Sand | January 1, 2012 - 15:59
Thank you, so much, Magic;-)
Tina xxx
Silver Spun Sand | January 1, 2012 - 16:00
Yours are more than, chuck, and I thank you for them.
Tina
scarletpimpernel | January 1, 2012 - 22:08
Just read both your poems tonight. Different class.
Denzella | January 2, 2012 - 09:15
Once again, Tina, a beautiful poem beautifully expressed.
I know Southwold very well. We used to take our children there. I have friends now that still live at Wangford.
Moya
Best wishes for the New Year
Silver Spun Sand | January 2, 2012 - 09:20
Yes, Southwold is beautiful...along with all its beach-huts.
A happy New Year to you and yours, too, Moya;-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | January 2, 2012 - 09:22
Thank you for your kind words, scarletpimpernel;-)
Tina
skinner_jennifer | January 7, 2012 - 16:15
Happy New Year Tina,
and what a special poem this is, I love the idea
of the ashes being cast to the air, to drift upon
the waves, exactly how I would like to see my ashes
go, this is such a wonderful poem Tina, so wild and
free.
Definitely one of my favourites of yours. I have so
much of your work to catch up on.
Here's to reading more of your poetry in 2012.
Jenny.
skinner_jennifer | January 7, 2012 - 16:16
Happy New Year Tina,
and what a special poem this is, I love the idea
of the ashes being cast to the air, to drift upon
the waves, exactly how I would like to see my ashes
go, this is such a wonderful poem Tina, so wild and
free.
Definitely one of my favourites of yours. I have so
much of your work to catch up on.
Here's to reading more of your poetry in 2012.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | January 7, 2012 - 18:00
Happy New Year, Jenny;-)
Glad you found this one special. It means a lot.
Tina;-)
PS And here's to reading much more of your poetry this year too;-)
Tina
Nolan | January 7, 2012 - 22:50
"Though you were far from me
In the land of Sleep and Silence,
Still the voice of love would reach you"
It is not easy to live for someone when they are living, but one can live for someone still when they are not. The best way to honour the dead is to live.
I wonder if you expected so much reaction Tina? Enjoyed all of it! The quote is from Hiawatha.
&& Nolan
Silver Spun Sand | January 8, 2012 - 16:07
It is always good to hear from you Nolan, with one of your inspired comments...and this is no exception.
Many thanks for your words, there is much truth in what you say, and for that beautiful quote from Hiawatha. I shall remember it.
Tina;-)