Beneath The Marble Sky

by debbylyn   Jun 25, 2008


Pacific borealis
Fathoms in the quay
Sweet Coleen in Eire green
Awash in ocean spray

Heart a mangled ballast
Scent of salt perfume
Thar blows the whale, leeward gale
Life's blood staining booms

Sailor's calloused ransom
Prayers a plaintive cry
Lure of gold, a fortune told
Beneath the marble sky

Countenance on smooth baleen
Memories of the dead
In tusk and bone, emotions honed
Engraved in scrimshaw red

*for an RTVW contest

http://k43.pbase.com/o6/90/359090/1/73076215.DKntM08c.014.jpg

*Scrimshaw was carved by early whalers in their spare time, from whale bone and ivory walrus tusks. The earliest piece of scrimshaw dates from about 1817.

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Latest Comments

  • 15 years ago

    by Aureus Argentum

    This is a very stunning write. Truly amazing... and your words... I am speechless. 5/5

  • 15 years ago

    by Ingrid

    What a beautiful poem, Debbie...you have used such beautiful words to paint this picture in the readers mind. It is no surprise to me that you have won, again hahaha

    Hugs,

    5/5 Ingrid

  • 15 years ago

    by Corinne

    What a pleasure to read a well written, intelligent poem! This is wonderful.

    The only line that made me stumble a teeny bit was

    Life's blood staining booms

    It does not dance lightly on one's tongue!

  • 15 years ago

    by Rachel RTVW

    Amazing word choice, flow and imagery. You have a clever way with words. A well deserved win!

  • 15 years ago

    by Cindy

    Excellent poem Deb
    Imagery is awesome so are your word choices. Congrats for winning the challenge :)
    Love Cindy