Narrative Poetry: 'River Meets Sea' and 'Sand or Shops?', Changing Landscapes and Panoramas by the Sea
Daily Promenade
Each day, I walk along the prom, look across the bay and marvel at the ever-changing landscape. I can never gauge how windy it will be, how many people will be about or whether the tide will be in or out, though strangely it seems out more often than in! Just coincidence, I know.
Wandering By the Sea
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Contrasts
The sky is vast but the horizon can be as sharp as diamonds or shrouded in mystery. The sea might be calm as a mill pond, have a deep sinister swell or be crested with white horses.
Calm or Mysterious?
Rivers and Sea
Two rivers merge before winding out to meet the sea. The smaller Brue hosts the marina with yacht masts clanking their greetings. It joins forces with the mightier Parrett which has busier banks and a tidal bore when the tide forces itself in, before the river flows once more to make its contribution to the sea.
One blustery, sunny day in October, I caught the tide exactly on the turn. The wind was bitter, scything across the bay north/south and the water was choppy. I could see precisely where the river was vying with the tide as the white horses were higher and the currents swirled; outgoing river and incoming tide seemed to be at odds as though neither wanted to give way. You could see the ensuing battle as the water rose in contention.
A poem formed as I watched this battle of the fresh and salt waters before me.
River and Sea Meet and Turn
River or Sea?
Where river flows to advancing tide, the waters splash, white horses clash, so, writhing, wake the waves.
Sea surges ‘tween mud banks, to wrest the river’s rein; they meet white horses’ frantic foam,
Striving for supremacy of the seas, turning the tide, tossing turbulent spray.
Spray soars from deep-sea grey, tumbling tide on tetchy swirl where mud mixes with power.
Marauding armies of moon-driven mass, the waxing waters drive, white horses cede their place.
The ebb and flow play out their dance, each and every day,
beneath the waves a power of place, the river arrives, the sea accepts
but the battle of salt and fresh survives.
River Brue Joins the Parrett
Nature... to Inhabitants
That is nature doing its thing, carrying out its daily routine.
Let’s look now at the town, the people and how they interact with their environment, be they visitors or residents.
Sand or Shops?
Sunny day or blown away,
by the sea’s the place to be!
Toes in sand or hear brass band,
fly a kite when winds do bite!
99 or lolly’s fine,
fish and chips, mmm.., smack your lips!
Sea gulls steal or children squeal,
hide your food, the birds are rude!
Highest tide or waters bide
way outside the borders wide.
Arcade near or smallest pier,
stilts that grow from beach below.
Dogs run mad or donkeys pad
whilst lifeboat crew rescue the few -
those who fall or ignore the call
to keep away from quicksand’s sway.
Summer sun or winter’s fun
when Carnival enraptures all,
Burnham’s sport or Brean Down’s fort,
fresh air is what we share.
Join us, come! or miss the fun,
we welcome you, every one.
Glossary
99:
This is a soft ice cream in a cone with a chocolate flake stuck in it
lolly:
In Britain it is an ice lolly on a stick, not a sweet!
Carnival:
the local carnival starts in Bridgwater on the first Saturday of November, goes to Burnham on the Monday, then other towns for the rest of the week. It celebrates Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes' night).
Town by the Sea
Marram Grass on the Dunes
Coastline
The stretch of coastline runs from Brean Down in the north, down to the mouth of the Parrett in the South, just below the hill known as Brent Knoll. It offers sea and sand, rivers, boating and fishing, as well as a National Trust protected area of flora on Brean Down. The dunes and marshes also have a protected status and hide the International Golf Course between Berrow and the coast (half way along as you look from Brean Down).
It’s my home. In the summer I can share it with visitors; in the winter it becomes cosy and we residents jealously guard it for ourselves!
© 2018 Ann Carr
Related
Comments
AUTHORI realise there are quite a few words which either are a puzzle or mean something different, despite the fact that we're supposed to speak the same language! Yes an ice lolly is a frozen fruit or flavour of some kind, on a stick.
The language thing intrigues me, as there are words we don't use any more here that actually came from the Pilgrim Fathers but were continued to be used whilst here they evolved in a different way or disappeared! That's language for you - uses and needs, I suppose.
I appreciate you taking the trouble to look out one of my hubs even when I haven't published one lately.
Thank you, Denise.
Keep safe and well.
Ann
It was so considerate of you to give us the definitions of some of the British words we may not be familiar with. So is an ice lolly similar to a popsicle we have here in the states? It is frozen fruit juice usually.
Blessings,
Denise
- AUTHOR
Hello again, Peggy! I appreciate all these visits. It is an airy, refreshing place and each day brings a different scene, different weather. I shall be down there again this afternoon. Glad you enjoyed it; you're welcome any time!
Ann
What a lovely place you have to walk each day! I can almost smell the fresh sea breezes from your description. Where rivers and the sea meet, it is a constant battle of low or high tides. I enjoyed this. Thanks!
- AUTHOR
Thanks for coming back, Chris; much appreciated.
Actually, the tidal reach here in Bridgwater Bay is the second highest in the world - the first? Why, Bay of Fundy of course; I had forgotten to mention that in this article! I'm glad you reminded me.
I hope you will visit this place Chris; do let me know if you do and maybe you'll have time for coffee!
Ann
Ann, I read this when you first wrote it. In fact, I have thought about some parts of this hub since then. But I didn't comment back then. I hate it when I do that. Well, the part I connected with most was the Tide coming into the river. My family visited the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Canada. We went tidal bore rafting on the river at the back of the bay. It is a powerful tide. One hundred billion tons of water move in and out of the bay twice each day. I will make a point of visiting where the Parret enters the sea when I visit your country.
- AUTHOR
Hello Graham! How good to see you again!
Thank you for your generous comments. I'm delighted you enjoyed this and yes, I do have very deep feelings about this place and being by the sea.
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Ann
Hi Ann. A lovely hub from you touching many posts. Your poems are a delight very deep feelings as deep as the sea itself. Well done! - Graham.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Lawrence, for your comments. Yes, I do love this place. I've heard of some black beaches in NZ but have never seen any. There is some black sand on the Isle of Wight though!
Glad you liked the poems.
Ann
Ann
Our closest town by the sea is Raglan, a place unlike any other, with Black beaches and amazing surf.
From this hub, I'd say you'd love the place.
Really loved the poems.
- AUTHOR
Thank you very much, Nithya, for your kind words. It is great to live by the sea in such a lovely area. I grew up near a different coast, on the English Channel, so I guess it's in my blood!
Wishing you a great week,
Ann
Enjoyed reading about the beautiful beach, the rivers and sea and the carnival. It must be great to be able to live close to the beach. Beautifully expressed.
- AUTHOR
ocfireflies: Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, especially 'make the reader feel as if she is there'. How kind.
I've been to Kensington Gardens, where the Peter Pan statue is. I was there with a friend a couple of years ago. However, no poetry about it. I might try that!
Blessings to you,
Ann
Dear Ann,
I am not sure where to start. I love your imagery, alliteration and just amazing ability to not only paint scenes, but make the reader feel as if she is there. Do you have a poem about the Kensington Gardens? I want to see them someday.
Thank You!
Blessings Always,
Kim
- AUTHOR
What a lovely comment, Dora! Thank you. What a great analogy of the 'tickle'! I do appreciate your comments and your loyal following.
Wishing you a great weekend, Dora.
Ann
Both poems are inviting.You conclusion on the first is like a tickle; it makes me smile even though it is insightful and begs my attention. The second is playful and make me want to join the fun. Thoroughly good reads!
- AUTHOR
Rinita: thank you very much for your lovely comment and great input. The merging of waters is fascinating - I've seen a couple of sets of rivers merging in France and I understand what you mean about the distinct waters of each.
As I said to manatita, I apologise for the late response - I don't know what's happened to my notifications!
Ann
- AUTHOR
Thank you, manatita, for all your kind comments. I have to be in the mood for poetry but I must admit that over the past year or so I enjoy writing it more and more. There is certainly a host of inspiration around this neck of the woods and in my travels. I think we have totally different styles so there's no danger to you, as if!
Sorry this is late; I've had no notifications for the last 3 or 4 days, so I don't know what that's about.
Ann
Oh, the many moods of the sea and the sky! I am a natural lover of the sea, too, and although I've never seen a river blending into the sea, I've seen 3 seas merging at a point. The southern most tip of India, named Kanya Kumari, is a point where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean merge, and it is a sight to behold. You can distinctly make out the converging point owing to the unique characteristics of the waves and the hues of the three seas.
Thoroughly enjoyed your poems, but enjoyed the introductory write-up even more.
Your intro made me chuckle.
Both your scenic nature and poetry brings meaning to life … are woven in a clever and artistically visual way. Exquisite! I thought you said you couldn't do poetry? Do I need to look over my shoulders? or are you ahead? (chuckle)
You continue to write brilliantly. Some people here do so well. You and Alicia are just two of them for the girls. There are a few more. I like the expressiveness and ethereal beauty of my Nellieanna, but she seems to have taken a rest.
Another great offering. Thank you so much this blessed Sunday. Peace.
- AUTHOR
Hello Flourish! I've no idea why they're called 99s; maybe that's the price they were when they started. Yes, as cats don't like water, let alone salt water, I guess that wouldn't work very well! I too prefer the quiet times by the sea.
Thanks for your visit; much appreciated.
Ann
- AUTHOR
I'm glad you enjoyed this, Audrey. Thank you for your kind comments.
Ann
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Jackie, for your lovely comment.
Ann
Never heard of a 99! These are beautiful verbal and visual images. I prefer the beach during the off-season when I can appreciate its natural side away from the tourists. I’d love to have a condo by the beach but with my cats, it’d be impractical. Maybe one day.
I love the water. I'm a Pisces which may explain why I'm drawn to the sea, rivers, waterfalls and even rain. What gorgeous photos! Thank you for your poetry. So well done! "Striving for supremacy of the seas, turning the tide, tossing turbulent spray."
So lucky to be by the water! Beautiful and so is your poetry!
- AUTHOR
Hello again John! As I said to Liz, it occurred to me that some might not know outside Britain!
Ann
- AUTHOR
Hi Liz! Thanks for your great comment. Yes, we do take things like that for granted and I suddenly realised that maybe many people would wonder what on earth 99 was!
Ann
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Linda. Glad you like this. Yes, I'm lucky to live in such a wonderful place. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Ann
I had no idea what a 99 was.
I love the sea or indeed any area of water. The landscape is constantly changing and you have definitely managed to capture this in your well-worded and crafted article. I still remember a very bridf stopover during a journey in your area. Rivers meeting the sea make for an even more fascinating landscape. I laughed at the 99 in the glossary, which I thought was a great idea. We grow up here assuming everyone knows what a 99 is!
I love your photos and your descriptions of nature and the seaside. You live in a lovely part of the world, Ann.
- AUTHOR
Hello Mark. Thank you for your kind comments. I'm glad I brought back some good memories. I know what you mean about the balance of importance - living rather than gambling! I appreciate your visit.
Ann
- AUTHOR
I totally agree, Linda, that the sea recharges and refreshes, no matter what the weather. I much appreciate your kind words. Thank you.
Ann
- AUTHOR
What kind compliments, Elijah! Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed my poetry.
Ann
- AUTHOR
Hello bill! Thank you for your lovely words; much appreciated.
I find that nature reserves on or near the sea are always spectacular and the open elements add to the feeling of being in the wild. I think it's because I love watching the birds too and we have plenty of those round here.
That song sounds interesting; I'll go and have a listen.
Hope your weekend is spectacular too, bill.
Ann
- AUTHOR
Thank you, John. I really enjoyed writing this one. I find poetry easier when I'm totally at one with the subject and this theme is where I feel completely at home. Thanks for your kind comments.
Ann
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Pamela. It is great to get to the sea and wonder at the power of it all. I used to go down to the English Channel near my childhood home, especially when it was rough and the spray came over the prom - spectacular!
I appreciate your support.
Ann
Beautiful imagery of the sea and the sand of all the fun activities that surround the seashore. It reminds me of the times I spent in old Atlantic City before the casinos where the fun was innocent and the focus was on the beach and not gambling. Thank you for taking me back.
Ann, there is something about the majesty of the sea that is calming and mesmerizing yet powerful and humbling. It is where I go to recharge and reflect. Your prose, pictures, and verse capture the emotions so very well. You are a gifted writer; thank you for sharing your observations with us. Well done.
Thanks, Ann, for the poetic expression of "'River Meets Sea' and 'Sand or Shops?', Within the Changing Landscapes and Panoramas by the Sea" done with within-line-rhyme that presented everything you said with your prose. You get the maximum stars from me.
Peace,
Elijah NatureBoy
Lovely as always,my friend. It reminds me of a Dan Fogelberg song, The Reach. Listen to it on YouTube if you get the chance. I know you will like it.
Olympia actually sits on an estuary, and we have a nature preserve five miles away on another major estuary....they do make for some great nature walks.
Long live Mother Nature!
Have a spectacular weekend, my talented friend.
bill
Ann, I enjoyed everything about it. Informative, lovely photos, and great poetry. What more could I ask for?
- AUTHOR
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Lori. I love the countryside too and yours sounds wonderful. I guess it's because I was brought up near the sea that I feel at home here.
I appreciate your kind comments and I understand the 'wild, untamed quality' that you like; me too!
Ann
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Verlie, for your lovely comments and compliments. I love living by the sea and it sounds as though you do too! It's also a perfect place for photos - never the same twice.
Ann
Ann, I really enjoyed your writing, and writing about the sea or river is a great topic. There is something so relaxing and just taking in the beauty of waves crashing on the shore is so exhilerating. I live fairly close to the Atlantic and while I don't get there as often as I once did, I still enjoy it as often as possible. Thanks for some unique poetry.
This is just wonderful Ann. You write so beautifully. I lived in California for twenty years and spent a lot of time at the beach. Then I moved to the Pacific Northwest which is forests, mountains, lakes, and the Puget Sound. We have stunning beaches far away from where I live so I rarely get a chance to go but I love the ocean here much better than in California because it has a wild, untamed quality to it. Thanks for this feast.
Ann, Thank you for this beautiful panoramic display of your beach walk along the estuaries of the Brue and Parrett Rivers. Spectacular photos, the Dunes is a gorgeous shot, the sand at low tide another, and the great action where the rivers meet the sea. Your River or Sea? poem is so dramatic. Great enthusiastic write. I like your metaphor of the white horses, such a powerful image, and the powerful descriptive language that you use. Good alliteration too: Sea surges, spray soars... And Sand or Shops is a perfect postcard piece. You are a wonderful ambassador for this bit of coast. Enjoyed this, and of course I can relate because I live just a stones throw away from the beach, It's always inspiring.
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