Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A perfect poem,

at least for me. Thank you beautiful Vesuvius for bringing it to light --

Henry and Sophie, Hilton Head Island, 2010



First Lesson

Lie back daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man's float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you. 
Philip Booth

11 comments:

  1. Still makes me cry every time. What a gorgeous picture of Henry and Sophie. So much sweetness.

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  2. That is a very lovely photo!
    How do the lovely poems bring tears...

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  3. Thanks to Vesuvius. She caught you and you daughter and your love perfectly in that poem.

    The picture is....well, it's beyond beautiful.

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  4. Oh lordy...crying my eyes out.

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