I had forgotten the waves
crashing, hitting, arriving
against the wide beach
sandy white
at the edge of our little world
how tiny we are, this space
compared to the vastness
they travess
powerful winds
like a tiger, roar ferociously
the forces of the universe
supreme creation
to be so close
to the edge of time and matter
where it does not matter
Every sunrise. Awakened.
Enlightened.
When the
weather permitted it, I would see how the men looked out to sea, lounging with
their backs against the wall on the verandah, smoking a roll of tobacco filled
nipah leaf - longing to be back in their boats riding the waves. They did not
speak, sometimes for hours.
But
their gaze spoke volumes. They were content, for it was a time for rest.
The sea
was like a drug that called out to the very soul. It whispered of adventure and
played images of the vast open. But beware! The sea severely punished
those who forgot her or her mighty powers. Even the lofty coconut trees
shook this way and that in the wind, but they were hardy and did not give way
to the master of the moment.
***
I marveled at this life of
bliss.
Life on land was unhurried,
languid - full of grace. Life at sea was wrought with danger - a race against
the tides, the winds, against time itself.
When the monsoon rains and
storms finally ceased, Pak Nakhoda readied his ship. Soon, we were
southbound.
________________________________________________________
For dversepoets
This is an excerpt from my novel, NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini. I should not say more, but at least I am happy I have the chance to share a little bit about our monsoon. It is strange and magical, devastating and powerful.
The picture was taken in Terengganu, where this portion of the story is set, and the poem was inspired by the actual waves I heard on this beach the night we arrived.
The narrator however, is at a dangerous crossroad. To sin, or not to sin.
This is an excerpt from my novel, NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini. I should not say more, but at least I am happy I have the chance to share a little bit about our monsoon. It is strange and magical, devastating and powerful.
The picture was taken in Terengganu, where this portion of the story is set, and the poem was inspired by the actual waves I heard on this beach the night we arrived.
The narrator however, is at a dangerous crossroad. To sin, or not to sin.
Oh I love the sense of having that moment of rest. To know when you cannot battle with the sea, but rejuvenate looking and waiting. Yes I can understand that monsoon is something special..
ReplyDeleteI know the call of the sea - and its adventure,
ReplyDeletelike i know the call of the storm and its power
but surely both should be respected.
I have that book.
The forces of nature demand respect.
DeleteI am humbled and honoured. And thrilled to bits. Thank you for sharing the adventure.
I have collected the books of many of the poets I have known through the years. I enjoyed Srikandi, but I liked Naga better.
DeleteThe eye of the storm, the rest. My descendants are coastal people and hurricanes have taken away from them and sometimes taken them. Both storms and the ocean should be respected.It is good to read of monsoon from someone who has experienced it. Hayes Spencer is Kanzensakura
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - I loved how you painted the intensity and raw power of nature. I am glad you could join my prompt.
ReplyDeleteThe prompt is so enticing isn't it for us in the tropics.
DeleteAh.. yes.. the balance of Nature's requite from
ReplyDeleteharsh sun and desert floors to massive
rains Of Monsoon girth..
To find that balance in
us.. is to also
be the
Balance
of Nature
within us outside..
as above.. so below..
all around Us.. is Nature
and Us.. for those who flow
in Nature's practice of balance..:)
Looking at nature and being subjected to all of its power and vastness is testament of the greatness of the alMighty. Very realistically shown here of the awe of facing the monsoon. Well penned Ninot Ma'am!
ReplyDeleteHank
I specially like this part: powerful winds
ReplyDeletelike a tiger, roar ferociously
Life at sea is filled with danger and adventure ~ Thanks for a glimpse of your work Ninot ~ Have a good week ~
You are welcome Grace. It is true, and we know how dangerous it is, but not many get to live the sea, and appreciate its true wonders.
DeleteWhat a beautiful excerpt! I so resonate with the sea being a drug, calling out to their very soul. To mine, too.
ReplyDeleteYou are the sea's soul, Sherry. Theough you, we get to understand and feel its call.
DeleteFabulous,... make me want to read more. Such a vivid portrait.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Do check out the novel - NAGA - A Legend of Tasik Chini at Barnes & Nobles, AMAZON or XLibris.
DeleteI loved how you drew the comparison between those on land and those seafarers waiting out the storm with chance to repose but also anxious to get back to their unpredictable love, the sea
ReplyDeleteNinot, you have shared a familiar scene to me. I once lived with my grandma in Batangas Province whose house was situated nearby the sea, so I know clearly well the feeling of having monsoon at this part of the world. I'm pleased to be reading these personal experiences of yours. Every details, descriptions you stated here to me feels like home. How are you? I'm very glad to be reading you again. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to hear from you aain Kelvin! Yes you and I would understand the monsoon well. I have missed reading your poetry. Work writing and family take me away from the poetry blogosphere.
DeleteBut I will not let that continue. Miss you guys! And poetry too much.