Sun Ceremony
Sharp flashes of afternoon light glint
off the water, force my gaze
away. Like Moses,
I remove my sandals. Anointed with
sunscreen, I present my bare skin
to the sun like an offering
on some primitive altar. Waves chant
the words of the rite, rhythmic
and indecipherable,
only their whispers washing up,
gold-trimmed and holy.
7 thoughts on "Sun Ceremony"
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Love this imagery. This poem feels so wonderful. I miss the beach.
I love the chanting waves! <3
This is beautiful Jasmine! Love the indecipherable chanting of the waves.
Okay, on number three here…
I can’t put my finger on what exactly entrances me about your poems. But they feel like magick. Magical Realism without any overt fantasy. The way Marquez shaped something more from the seemingly mundane.
All of it splendid, but especially:
“Waves chant
the words of the rite, rhythmic
and indecipherable,
only their whispers washing up,
gold-trimmed and holy.”
The language is silky and easy. I really love the ending…
only their whispers washing up,
gold-trimmed and holy.
I also love the ending…. the whispers of the waves, trimmed in sunlight. Evocative.
So evocative! Love the play of light on water – I see it sparkling. But you take it further, bring in a spiritual feel with words like Moses, anointed, offering, alter, rite, holy woven into the poem. Very effective and lovely!