Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

Along the Levee

There is often a vague sadness
that emanates from the boats
in the ramshackle marina

The boats, aground at low tide,
bereft of their purpose,
wait for their meaning to return

Later, afloat once again,
they’ve made their peace
with the return of the water

Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
Last few words: 
I frequently take walks by this mostly abandoned, poorly maintained marina near our home at different times of the day. I am oddly drawn to the imagined plight of the different craft still tied to their moorings, especially at low tide. This was a simple effort to capture what I see on a regular basis. How did I do? Side note: I wish we could publish images to accompany our work. Has this ever been discussed on Neopoet?
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content

Comments

Thanks T. I was thinking more like using an image imbedded with the writing. The avatars will show up in so many other areas that it might be confusing. Including images is allowed on another site I belong too, and it adds a nice visual addition to poetry postings.

LOL, I wish I had a boat near Elba, or hell, maybe even near the Jersey shore for that matter - not picky! Thanks for your kind thoughts about this piece, and glad you liked it!

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

that the thought of publishing images along with your work has ever been discussed, however, I do think that it may not be feasible. I do think that Teddy's suggestion is a viable solution. A very image evoking piece of work. I can picture it. ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

Thanks Stan!

I belong to another poetry site that allows this. Pretty straightforward for the user - just click the button and go find the file on your PC or device. But I also understand that it might not be right for Neopoet. I'll bring it up at the next council meeting and see what we see.

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

Hello, Michael,
What a wonderful piece. So vivid. I love the personification you've used. I can feel the sadness and the confusion of not knowing one's purpose. Ramshackle, aground, bereft - all perfect words to describe the loneliness. I thing we all have felt this way through different phases of our lives, waiting for our purpose, the peace felt when we reconnect. Wonderful title - it felt like I arrived before even reading your poem.
Thank you!
L

Thank you L! Love your insights into this piece. Definitely familiar feelings at various times in my life.

Be well!

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment
(c) Neopoet.com. No copyright is claimed by Neopoet to original member content.