swallowing the sun

“Sunset at Sea” by Thomas Moran
“Sunset at Sea” by Thomas Moran

Like the prodigal son
I return to you, the sea.
You who scare the idylls off
into tame inner fjords, bays and inlets
because you are much too majestic for weekend yachtsmen,
outboard motors and hobby anglers.
Without so much as a blink you swallow the sun
like a raw egg-yolk for supper
and at daybreak you lift heavy banks of cloud
dense with rain and squalls, a wet cloth
on sleep-heavy eyes and throbbing temples.
With the horizon like a diadem about your brows
you write your salt letters to the shore.
Land changes,
men and beasts come and go.
Only you
live your solitary life, the world’s
blue eyes fixed on the stars and eternity.

If the Earth has a soul,
it swims in you.

~ Kolbein Falkeid
(Homecoming to the Sea)

14 thoughts on “swallowing the sun”

    1. Me, too. When I was 15 we took an ocean liner across the Atlantic Ocean to Greece and for many days there was no land in sight – this reminds me of that voyage. The huge size of the ocean on this little planet was an awe-inspiring perspective…

  1. What an awesome painting. The sun in it reminded me of Turner, and sure enough, when I looked up Thomas Moran, Turner is noted as one of his influences. The combination of sea and sun is pretty spectacular in both the image and the poem.

    1. Thank you, Amy-Lynn, for the introduction to J. M. W. Turner! I can see the similarities… I agree – loving how this painting seems to illustrate the poet’s description of the sea swallowing the sun like a raw egg-yolk for supper.

    1. Thank you, and welcome to “By the Sea,” Jackie! Sorry it is taking me so long to respond to comments, changing domains was absorbing a lot of my time. Looking forward to a longer visit at your reading blog soon…

  2. A magical Sunset followed by a wonderful poetry whose rays penetrate one’s heart. Beautiful words my friend. Have a blessed day.

    1. Thank you, Island Traveler, I’m glad you were moved by the painting and poem. Blessings to you and your precious family.

  3. Barbara, what a magnificent painting! I wasn’t familiar with his work and ended up going on-line to see more. Can’t think of a better description than glorious.

    I always come away from your wonderful blog feeling enriched and inspired …..in so many ways. Thank you!

    1. You’re welcome, Colleen, and I thank you so much, too! I wonder if you know how much I look forward to your comments…… Having the internet at our fingertips is a wonder – finding and sharing so many inspiring images has been such a blessing!

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