In my first excursion as a writer of poetry I undertook an exercise of experiencing a scene from each of the five senses separately, and then combining my five scenes into the one poem:
The Beach
(c)2010 Sharon Paterson Smith
Thick dark clouds threaten the beach, fishing boats bobbing and gum trees thrashing,
Sharp wind biting at my cheeks, a shiver runs through my body.
Perched on a rock I reach down. Rolling coarse, wet sand between fingers.
The water crashes on the rocks, chills my feet. And pulls the sand to sea.
Branches fighting in the wind. A rush of lemon. Remnants of the morning’s catch.
Seafood, two-stroke fuel and a waft of engine smoke.
Voices shout and chains ring. A far-off engine roars on the wind
All racing the storm.
Ocean breeze – damp and salty
Drops of fresh rain kissing lips to wash the salt away
Damp skin tingling, absorbing senses with pleasure
And waiting for the heavens to open
I actually prefer my individual pieces as compared to the finished piece.
Touch
Wind biting at my cheeks, a shiver runs through my body
Perched on a rock I reach down
Rolling coarse, wet sand between fingers
Icy water rushes across my feet
The water recedes
Smell
Salty air, the smell of the sea
The morning’s catch on the pier
Two-stroke fuel and a waft of engine smoke
Gust of wind and a rush of lemon gums
Rain is in the air
Hear
Branches swaying back and forth, fighting in the wind
The water crashes on the rocks
Pulls the sand to sea, grains bristling
A far-off engine roars on the wind
Racing the storm
Taste
Ocean breeze – damp and salty
Fresh rain kissing lips washing the salt away
Wet hair brushing face and mouth
Pushed away with sunscreened hand
The taste stained on my lips
See
The thick dark clouds have rolled across the beach
Fishing boats bobbing and gum trees thrashing
Dangling my feet in the cold water and rough sand
I am smiling, shivering
And waiting for the heavens to open
