I wrote this poem ‘Ocean Heart’ in 2006. I was in a new relationship and it inspired me to imaginings of the ways of the heart. I have recently been on a mission to go through my old writings and have edited it slightly – but not changed it dramatically in order to stay true to my intention almost 20 years ago. It’s a theme I might go back to exploring in future writings.
OCEAN HEART (2006)
My heart is an ocean
with differing depths
canyons, reefs and magnificent structures.
Mountains stretching towards the light
and bottomless pits
all teeming with life.
The playing field
of colourful fish darting around
like the playing of emotions.
Containing the occasional wreckage
of love that didn't survive
or an imagined hurt.
My heart is the ocean
that holds it all.
Soothing and constant
bigger than darts or wreckages.
Gently lapping the shore of my earth
gently penetrating my being
gently soothing everything.
Letting hurts be forgotten
and the darting fish
cannot shake its deeper calm.
The winds cannot rattle it
nor can the quakes.
A quiet heart
a steady ocean.
...
And you.
You are on the mountaintops
in the valleys
in the gorges
in the fields of seaweed
in the creeks and in the cracks.
Snorkelling in shawls of colour and light
swimming with dolphins
and riding with whales.
You … are in my ocean.
© Saraphir Camille Legind
© Saraphir Camille Legind