If how we need the sea is an ache,
then why? The wanting to return to a dream,
recalling water in diamond sprays on purple rocks and salted air,
flying starward to eternity—this is the before and after,
light and shadow, rhythm and music of the vast then and now,
a wild blue breeze. We surrender to time, wake to a universe of poetry,
together scream through the storm, our honeyed laughter soars, lingering.
This is an ekphrastic message from the Oracle. As I was writing, I got the image of this painting in my head. She’s obviously a fan, and a bit of romantic–at least today.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
This is wonderful, Merril! You’ve described this painting so beautifully! I want to go splash in a wave with a special someone and laugh in the storm!
Awww–thank you so much! It’s funny how I was getting “my message” from the Oracle and thought of this painting at the same time.
It’s rather amazing, actually!
I don’t doubt anything about the Oracle anymore, and I just go where she leads. 😀
And that is a good thing!
😀
You, Kerfe and I had similar messages. Your poem; I think is the answer to the question. All that sea, blue and laughter, waking from the dream. Love it.
Thank you so much! She really wanted me to begin with that opening question.
I just read yours and Kerfe’s. It is funny that our poems all had similar messages. Well, I guess it’s to be expected by now. 😀.
No, we ought to be used to it by now, still…
Yes. 😀
I love your ekphrastic poem! I can feel that lift of freedom and joy in my chest.
What I find particuarly intriguing is that I see a different story in the painting, the story of a wildly impractical husband whose wife has to follow after him cleaning up the mess. (The seawater has ruined our leather boots and woolen overcoats, Ivan. Where are we going to get the money to replace them after you’ve spent all our savings on this extravagant vacation at the seaside?)
Isn’t ekphtastic inspiration grand!
Thank you, Liz.
That’s so funny. 😀 I’m the practical person who would never go into the water like that–but this is magic–another realm. Their clothes do not get wet or ruined.
You’re welcome, Merril. I wouldn’t directions to that magical realm.:)
It exists in art and poetry. 😏
🙂
I love where you went with this, Merril. Great job! I love the painting too. It would make a fabulous writing prompt. Have a peaceful Saturday!
Thank you very much, Jill! I think I first saw the painting in a writing prompt by Jane Dougherty. 😀
I like the way you captured both their feelings and the environment as one. Well done, Merril.
Thank you very much, Frank!
I agree with Jane. This is glorious, like the pa8nting–a favorite of mine as you know. (K)
Thank you very much! 💙
A beautiful rendering of what this delightful painting evokes
Thank you very much, Derrick.
A wonderful, perfect pairing–the painting and the poem. I must say, though, this line “together scream through the storm” makes me think of all kinds of things, not just the painting 😉
Thank you–and hahahaha. 😀
Lovely painting and poem! Dashing into the sea of life with no other thought than to seize the day.
Thank you so much, Linda!