Seahorse... a poem by Veronica Farmer

I was four years old
a family beach picnic
too much chatter
and control...
I escaped to the rock pools
to get quiet
and talk once more to the Universe

A fluttering took my heart
a seahorse lost
in a small pool
looked at me

I ran and found a jar
once filled with olives
washed it carefully
to take away the smell
so pungent
making a respectful space

I asked the seahorse
would you?
would you trust me?
It nodded
​and floated into the jar
...saw me

I was frightened of the waves
the aunties
so busy with their gossiping
noticed nothing

I walked out in the ocean
as far as I dared
my feet beginning to lift from the sand
and released the being
not of this place
so unusual
into the sea

I wished I could go with him
and dance in the ocean...

All rights reserved Veronica Farmer
www.veronicafarmer.org