Week on the Water

Something about water that is so pure and calming whether it’s in the form of river, pond, lake, waterfall, or ocean.  The flow of water fills me with possibility.  Water is smooth and easy.  It can carry itself anywhere.  It is versatile and resilient.  And water is strong.  It can sweep you away and wear great rocks smooth.  Water is a force to be reckoned with.  I try, in my daily life, to emulate the qualities of water. I want to adopt its beauty, tenacity and strength.  I want to achieve its clarity and purpose.

Being close to water always puts me at ease and allows me to center myself.  Whatever trouble I face or obstacles I encounter has always been set right with time spent by the water.  August calls me to come to the water, and so I obey.    Salt water and sand – just what I need to slow down, reflect, and write. I take my camera along to record the images that stand out to me.

Golden


Brave children stand 
At the edge of the sea,
While watchful waves
Tug at their tender feet.

Come in, come in
The wind whispers,
But the children run,
Scattering shells across the sand.

Their laughter lifts in to the air,
Bounces on the shimmering sea,
The roar of the waves
Always beckoning.

Closer the children creep,
Tan limbs in pools of white foam,
Ready, watching for
That next wave.

Scooping up sea glass,
Small shells, smooth stones,
The children splash,
Dancing with the sea.

As giant clouds climb
Over the slate-blue horizon
Like dangerous pirates
Waiting to snatch their treasure.

Come away, come away 
To a distant shore,
While the sun sinks in the western sky
Washing everything with gold.

Book Lists: Seven by the Sea

Picture Books:

1. Come Away from the Water, Shirley by John Burningham
2. Flotsam by David Wiesner
3. Hello Ocean by Pamm Munoz
4. Home for Hermit Crab by Eric Carl
5. Mister Sea Horse by Eric Carl
6. Stella, Star of the Sea by Mary-Louise Gay
7. Wave by Suzy Lee

Middle Grade Novels:

1. A Swirl of Ocean by Melissa Sarno
2. Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
3. Fish Girl by David Weisner and Donna Jo Napoli
4. They Eyes of the Amaryllis by Natalie Babbitt
5. The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler
6. The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
7. Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Books for Adults:

1. Gift of Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg
2. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
3. The Hungry Ocean by Linda Greenlaw
4. The Lobster Chronicles: Life on a Very Small Island by Linda Greenlaw
5. The Silent World:  A Story of Undersea Discovery and Adventure by Jacques-Yves Coustea
6. The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson
7. Turtle Summer: A Journal for My Daughter by Mary Alice Monroe