In her sixties now Gladys dreaded the cold,
She travelled to the beach trying to be bold,
She went because it might be fun, she was told.
Gladys said she would not swim she was far too old.
There were gentle ladies with dark glasses on,
They were telling rowdy children to begone,
The sand was warm and the glorious Sun shone,
Gladys sat there like a sad queen on her throne.
Mountains around gave views that went forever,
The sky was light blue a sign of good weather,
The children throw sand failing to be clever,
But Gladys said no she would not swim ever.
Near the river people had cake and white bread,
They had beef and pork, “hurrah” the children said,
Some drank wine and sang when they were all fed,
Gladys said no she would rather go to bed.
Gladys was left quite alone on her cane chair,
She began talking to the warm midday air,
I should swim in the sea but I do not dare,
My grey hair would get wet but I would not care.
For the longest time she stared at the wild sea,
Wondering why she was so afraid to be,
Was her life long enough for validity?
Some come to the beach to cocoon and be free,
Others come to escape their life’s misery.
-
Author:
David Wakeling (
Offline) - Published: June 18th, 2025 00:08
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 13
Offline)
Comments5
Sitting on the beach can be so life assuring David.
Andy
Yes indeed in can.Thanks for commenting
David I read metaphor in this poem of one that would go look but not do. Of one that pretended to enjoy but did not where appearances were more important than being who one is. When the poem said that she would not swim I thought that the ending would be her taken in a tsunami or rogue wave. Well that was my twisted mind. Nicely done David
Actually your ending sounds better. It certainly can be a metaphor for a life not lived well.Thanks for your insight and comments
To some appearances to others are more important to them then just being honest to themselves and others, enjoyed the read
Yes appearance can be everything to some people.thanks for commenting
You are very welcome
Could encapsulate almost every expedition to the beach 🏖 there’s just something grand and different about ‘parading’ oneself for all to witness as well as an air of mystery or the leisurely use of one’s ’spare’ time. 🙏🏻🕊
Indeed people love the beach for different reasons.Thanks for your insight.Always appreciated
Yes. Reminding me of how entranced I was with the textures on the beach, the sand, corals, shells, weeds, saltwater, etc… true that!
Excellent write David
Excellent comment Tony36
You're welcome
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