Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Poetry Train Monday - 8 - Polly Cove

With yesterday being Canada Day, I was drawn to this poem about my favorite spot on earth. Polly Cove is just a little ways along the coast from Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. My dad and uncle used to go scuba diving on a wreck there, and my mom and aunt would hang out at the picnic blankets having chick time while my cousins, my sister and I would run around on the rocks. The coastline there is nothing but giant boulders and endless stretches of rock.

It's quite a trek from the road to the cove. Everyone had to carry supplies for the day, and the path wound down a very steep cliff. It's not merely a childhood-only place. It's a 45-minute drive from where I live, and I return every summer if I can. But my best memories are from those days when I could still run and leap over that incredible landscape.


Polly Cove

The slow dip
A seagull skims
The clouds slide

We leap from the crag
And the lichen springs

Below yawns the whispering seethe of the salt
The drop looks enticing

The lazy coil of the seaweed
A maid's demure flirtations

Behind us
Scraggling pines huddle
The cliff face

Far beyond
The frightening power
Of swelling froth

While here
The air skids to a stop
Your eyes look at me

And the sun snags in the tangly growth

Copyright Julia Smith 1985

13 comments:

Toni said...

I could literally envision this poem, Julia. I could "see" what you penned. It spoke to my mind's eye with some serious imagery. And the names of the coves, I just found them to be so lovely.
Blessings,
~Toni~

Akelamalu said...

What lovely memories you have, and a great piece of writing Julia.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Wow, that's vivid.

Who says you can't run and play anymore? Go for it. Have fun. We're never too old to live life.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Susan, I injured my knee about 14 years ago and it put a stop to all running and leaping. Walking, yes. Jumping down from the rocks, no.

I never let the fact that I'm in my 40's interfere with play. I guess that's why the young store clerks usually ask me if I want an adult bus pass when I ask to buy one (like yesterday, for instance.) I've even had them ask me, "Student?" But it's all good.

Mike Minzes said...

Great blog! I will be back!

Mike Minzes said...

Your a very good writer, Julia!

Kelly said...

Beautiful imagery

Red Garnier said...

Julia this was delicious. I could FEEL it and now I'm just incredibly relaxed. Polly Cove. Hmm. LOVE IT! Thanks for the trip!! =)

Unknown said...

Wonderful poem, Julia. :)

Dr. Bill Emener said...

I'm impressed with your wordsmith talents. Thanks for sharing your artistry!
Bill

Amy Ruttan said...

That totally reminds me of out East. I love the Maritimes!

Happy Belated Canada Day Julia!

Unknown said...

Beautiful poetry. You have a gift

Rhian said...

this was terrific! i loved the final lines:
"While here
The air skids to a stop
Your eyes look at me

And the sun snags in the tangly growth"