Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony
Sep 10, 2022

Diamonds on the Water, and Boats at Low Tide

I don't know when the change came for me
It's not like a date you could mark on a calendar
With little still to prove to anyone,
the edges are worn now, smoother

The change, I think, came from living
Learning from all the mistakes
that showed my humanity how to be better
than when it first began to feel

Appreciating the lessons of hurt
in all its’ forms and incarnations
I cherish all the ribbons awarded me,
secretly displayed on my heart

I can see diamonds on the water now
Feel the sadness of boats, aground at low tide,
pleading for the water’s quick return
so they can fulfill their purpose again

This awareness keeps bitterness at bay,
to not give it a home, a place of refuge
with a hearth for it to fan the flames

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: San Francisco Bay Area - USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Bukowski

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Comments

Lavender

Hello, Michael,
This is magical poetry. I'm sure whatever you felt when writing, or still feel about, it is completely different from what I feel reading it, but I think at a certain age, and a certain time in our lives, we all have similar feelings in this poem. I couldn't give a date, either, but there was a defined time when life became smoother and learning from mistakes was welcomed with more humility and less ego. For me, the diamonds on the water represent all the simple, wonderful gifts there are to life, endless. And since I am aging, I understand the low tide the boats are experiencing. Wonderful personification! Your last stanza is wise and heart-warming. I knew from your title that this would be a gem.
Thank you!
L

Geezer

I would say:
"This awareness keeps bitterness at bay"
[not giving it a home], a place of refuge
[and a hearth for fanning the flames].

Of course, as always, if I have misconstrued the meaning
or said something not intended, I apologize, and never expect
for a poet to take my word for it, that a thing might make their work better.

~ Geez.
.

Michael Anthony

Thanks Geez! If you are saying the last stanza is grammatically incorrect your suggestion would make sense, but I don't think that's the issue here. Perhaps it's more of a style preference thing, in which case I much prefer it as it stands. Always appreciate ypur comments sir!

Best