In the summer of 2012 I went sailing with my son and his family in France. I was terrified I’d get seasick, or worse, drown. Instead, it was a magical few days I’ll always treasure.


Buoyed

Once I sailed the Mediterranean
rested upon the catamaran’s net,
sea sinking below, sky rising above,
eyes straining for a glimpse of sea life,
perhaps one of the sharks
I was assured lived elsewhere,
but I knew better.

We passed the concrete city,
La Grande Motte, white
pyramids and hexagons;
sailed round Île d’If of
Monte Christo fame,
my imagination casting
DiCaprio as The Count.

Anchored in a quiet bay,
we took a swim,
me, with life vest on,
as liminality overtook
I drifted away
until a tossed rope
reeled me in.

Sleep came easy
the sound of the sea
slapping the ship,
the smell of brine
through a tiny porthole,
my soul filled,
family, food, and wine.




Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-06-03 at 02:26

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shells
2012 Was definitely a good year. The title works so well for mood and the sea. The last stanza a perfect lazy, sated way to end your day.
2026-06-04


Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
Your poems have far and away become some of the best I've read in the Bay. Thank you for sharing.
2026-06-04