to be not a barnacle

-

walking away down the dock

I notice the barnacles

clinging to the piles

at low tide

https://pxhere.com/en/photo/917607


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

that’s their life

clinging

sending out little flowery legs

to eat what floats by

 

never moving

dependent on the tide

the whims of storm

and baking sun

 

I won't be a barnacle

stuck on a dock

accepting your lot as my life

so I’m walking away

 

©2020 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved

Walking Away – Weekly Scribblings #40

 https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. Magical Mystical TeacherOctober 7, 2020 at 10:56 AM

    It's entirely appropriate to walk away from a life that doesn't suit you and was never meant to be for you. Walk. Walk fast!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 7, 2020 at 5:32 PM

      If only it was that easy, right? Most people wait much too long. (This isn't autobiographical, by the way!)

      Delete
  2. Gillena CoxOctober 7, 2020 at 12:36 PM

    Indeed, nice one

    Much💖love

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rosemary Nissen-WadeOctober 7, 2020 at 1:23 PM

    Hello, Lisa. Thank you for writing to the prompt. I love the 'little flowery legs'. (Have never looked at barnacles so closely.) Altogether, beautifully expressed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 7, 2020 at 5:34 PM

      I'm not sure most of us have ever seen them feeding, since it only takes place underwater, but the photos are beautiful. In fact, one of my adult children thought they were related to some sort of seaweed, until I wrote this and talked to him about barnacles!

      Delete
  4. JennaOctober 7, 2020 at 1:27 PM

    Nice contrast between the barnacles, clinging on to one spot, and the speaker of the poem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 7, 2020 at 5:35 PM

      We get too comfortable in our safe spot. It takes a lot of strength and courage to break free.

      Delete
  5. indybevOctober 7, 2020 at 3:14 PM

    Sounds as if walking away is a good plan!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ron.October 7, 2020 at 3:29 PM

    Sail on, Sister. And keep writing. WOWZA

    ReplyDelete
  7. RommyOctober 7, 2020 at 4:09 PM

    I miss seeing the ocean and the barnacles on the rock this year (no out of state vacationing because of 'Rona). But I wouldn't want to be one either.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 7, 2020 at 5:36 PM

      I grew up with rocks and tide pools and shells on the beach encrusted with barnacles. Always tightly shut in the low tides, unless I saw them at an aquarium and have forgotten.

      Delete
  8. Old EggOctober 7, 2020 at 4:54 PM

    A lot of people are like that though; never changing their habits, never thinking about moving and not saying a lot either1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 7, 2020 at 5:37 PM

      Those people need to speak up and better their lots in life! That's hard.

      Delete
  9. JimOctober 7, 2020 at 9:15 PM

    Lisa, you are a good teacher. I never new much about barnacles except that they can live on the side of a boat. I did not know they were alive, I figured they were like mold and that green stuff on the side of trees. Now I won't forget, you poem is memorable, a dictionary or biology book is not for me.
    You are right, staying with some is a waste of life, please leave now, Ms. Writer. I am spoiled but happily married. Early in life I had a motor schooter, later in life when single again I had a motorcycle, and now I have my retirement present from me to me, a 1998 Mustang GT Convertible. Mostly though the Mrs. and I go for rides, but when she is playing bridge I feel free with my Mustang. :-) Thanks for peeking in on my write and for your nice comment.
    ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 8, 2020 at 10:24 AM

      Thanks! I learned a lot more about barnacles writing this poem than I knew, and more than I included! Fascinating life cycle really.
      A retirement present to yourself sounds like a reasonable thing! You worked towards retirement, you deserve your dream car.

      Delete
  10. Kim M. RussellOctober 7, 2020 at 11:29 PM

    What a lovely surprise that you have written about barnacles – I once wrote one too! https://writinginnorthnorfolk.com/2016/10/18/the-benevolence-of-barnacles/
    I love the analogy and the philosophy in your poem, Lisa. Sadly, during the pandemic, I have become a barnacle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 8, 2020 at 10:20 AM

      That's so amazing! I hope you're lucky like the barnacle, surrounded by family!

      Delete
  11. HelenOctober 8, 2020 at 10:22 AM

    Love the message here, and the strength that means walking away.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Susie ClevengerOctober 8, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    A necessary, powerful walking away

    ReplyDelete
  13. rallentandaOctober 8, 2020 at 7:47 PM

    Oh well...you got boots....you know what they are made for...LOL

    ReplyDelete
  14. purplepeninportland.comOctober 10, 2020 at 5:09 PM

    It's like a breath of fresh air, walking away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 12, 2020 at 8:55 AM

      It can. Sometimes though, you don't realize that until later.

      Delete
  15. dsnake1October 11, 2020 at 11:45 PM

    it looks like a good choice, walking away from a life like that.
    a necessary message.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LisaOctober 12, 2020 at 8:56 AM

      We have to try not to get stuck and take the easy way. It's not always best for us.

      Delete

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