POETRY
A View from Moel Cynwich — William Turner
While searching for some new land, / My ship foundered in the deep sea.
These Shores
While searching for some new land,
My ship foundered in the deep sea.
I could have drowned or lost my life,
But I can swim better than most.
I let myself be carried by the current.
Rocked by the waves, I fell asleep.
I could have lost my way or died
But I can resurface better than most.I lost count of time. Nights and days,
Months maybe, passed me by, quickly.
Then, suddenly, sky and water merged!
As far as the eye could see, tranquility.
My failing heart started beating wildly;
My flawed spirit rejoiced in the scenery,
For I had caught a glimpse of coastline.
All got clearer! I would walk again.Filled with wonder, I swam closer.
My hand slowly reached for the shore.
I could have hit a rock or lost my balance,
But I love surprises more than most.
The sand was sodden but soft to the touch;
Warm and balmy were these shores.
A sense of discovery took hold of me,
‘Cause I love novelty more than most.I got back to my feet and started ambling.
The woods and mountains were very appealing.
I fancied myself a new kind of trailblazer –
And yet, this land looked familiar.
A few bugs here and there; some cold nights.
But I felt quickly at home for the first time in years.
The warrior in me turned into a peaceful explorer –
Believe me, I was surrounded by harmony.Smitten with thee, my island, I was very easily!
Your abundance was food for thought.
Your lushness enthralled me to the full.
Your rare tempests were part of life’s cycle.
How quiet and confident I became!
Renewal visited me every morning;
Faith cradled me at night, like a child.
My nakedness was my best quality.Then, one day, you asked me to leave –
You said that I was ready to be free.
I could have begged you to let me stay,
But I comprehend the unsaid more than most.
I let the current carry me once again,
And rocked by the waves, I fell asleep.
I could have lost my way or died
But my new reality was now my lifeline.I shall not depict how I was found,
Or of what people tried to convince me.
The only thing I recall is smiling!
I smiled all the way until I reached new shores.
Then, I did not have to walk again.
I had become part of the scenery!
I was one with nature, man, life!
No new lands did I need anymore!Now, twenty years later, I still dream of you.
Or I may simply have invented you.
Oh well, I guess I am too joyful now;
These shores have been my secret love story.Nobody would believe that one can adore,
Adore Nature more than the human race.
Oh well, I guess people will change eventually.
These shores are my hopes for the future.These shores were my light.
Should you find them,
Please, let them guide you too!
©2006 Cendrine Marrouat
About William Turner
British painter William Turner specialized in watercolour landscapes. He traveled throughout Britain in search of subjects.
This watercolor features the mountain scenery (Snowdonia) of north Wales.
Source: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Post originally published on creativeramblings.com.
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