Beth Camp Historical Fiction

Monday, September 21, 2009

Mermaid's Purse . . .

Washed up on the strandline
between wave and rocky beach
that marks the furthest reach of the sea,
I find, half-buried in a bed of kelp,
a curious lucent closed pocket,
tendrils dangling from each corner,
so named a mermaid's purse.
Within, a tiny dogfish quivers alive,
waiting for the moon to rise,
the waves to return,
life to begin.


Photo taken at the Brough of Birsay, Orkney, Scotland, September, 2009.

5 comments:

  1. Like it. Full of resonance, the fish in a "womb" almost, waiting to be born.

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  2. Like the photo, too. Keep meaning to visit Orkney (the place in general, but I particularly fancy visiting the Wireless Museum!)

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  3. Anonymous1:03 AM

    great wordplay, beth.

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  4. Wow. I agree with Mamta. This is enchanting.

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  5. Great work, Beth.

    If you happen to get up to Findhorn, please post your impressions. Also, please send more of your fine work to CPR...

    BTW, thanks for your comment on 'May 1506' over at For Every Year. I think you are mostly likely right about the native woman.

    Barry

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