Re-sting poolside, this filigree of laced memory
is a white albatross painted on far anchor; these
sailboat silhouettes woven into plusSHh beach towel
spread over warm concrete hold recurring dream of
air bubbles floating up, sun-dappled, to break surface.
Fading in silence, she calmly watches her lung-full of
oxygen de-liber-ately escape; falling through life’s briefly
inflated ring while the knotted rope unravels swiftly from its
bitt over slippery polished deck. Aware of drowning yet able
to finger-trace scrollwork on bow christened, “esperanza”.
What if everything really is a meaningless vanity?
white rails appear sturdy but it’s only recycled plastic fence of
culture’s kiddie pool your wet and shivering identity leans on?
Going down, sinking into refracted clouds; slip thru tatted
tangle of seaweed, past intertwined corpses of coral, to lay
quiet, prone on smooth stones (fearing rusty drain at bottom).
Watery depths cannot claim billow of main sail forever and a
gleaming gull wings star-board, past lifeguard’s empty chair.
My response to Claudia’s challenge at D’Verse Poets Pub to write “layered poem”…
a poem in my pocket 
May 13, 2015 @ 21:57:50
Thought-provoking! I was struck by the same thing that Claudia was….the meaningless vanity. Another thing I was struck by was the lifeguard’s empty chair! I am with you, in your response to Claudia, that usually your poetry is more obvious. I feel the same way…it is hard for me to purposely write layers. It happens in my poetry more incidentally than intentionally.
May 13, 2015 @ 22:31:54
I really appreciate your comments, Mary. Thanks for the feedback!
May 13, 2015 @ 19:19:34
this filigree of laced memory…… my that’s pretty.
May 13, 2015 @ 18:32:54
This is very well written. It could almost renew my fear of water that I finally overcame just last year. I like the thought “aside” of the indented stanza. Peace, Linda
May 13, 2015 @ 22:30:25
Thanks, Linda. Before i had swimming lessons, i nearly drowned in a pool once…my father pulled me out. i know that fear but now i really like the water!
May 13, 2015 @ 22:42:59
My prior fear of water actually started when I almost drown IN swim lessons.
May 13, 2015 @ 17:20:50
I love all these layers of the sea. Well done.
May 13, 2015 @ 15:13:54
This is just wonderful, the sea lends itself to wonderful layers.. and just like Claudia I love what you did with the questions.. they really add to these layers.. Really well done.
May 13, 2015 @ 22:24:57
Thank you very much, Bjorn.
May 13, 2015 @ 13:17:47
What if everything really is a meaningless vanity?
white rails appear sturdy but it’s only recycled plastic fence of
culture’s kiddie pool your wet and shivering identity leans on?…. i like those questions right there in the center – i think it’s great to ask questions in a poem – it always adds a layer where the reader is forced to think about what has been said…nicely done..
May 13, 2015 @ 14:18:12
Thanks, Claudia…this was a challenge for me as a lot of my poetry is more obvious, but i enjoyed the mental exercise and agree that questioning is good.
May 13, 2015 @ 13:07:36
Ms. Iowan – you did a great job! and from resting poolside to going down under refracted clouds – all kinds of layers and contrasts here. Those sailboat silhouettes on towels by the pool add another layer to this. And yes, I definitely do wish for times for a lifeguard to pull me safely in.
May 13, 2015 @ 14:13:35
Your comment makes me smile 🙂
May 13, 2015 @ 12:06:11
i suppose the truth is that the oceans of human life are one blanket
of sand that holds together as one.. with sand and rivers flowing
same to overall seas of life.. that sometimes culture
hides with blinding darkness of lies.. or mistruth..
sad but true.. perhaps..
but overcome able
i do believe as abled..:)
May 13, 2015 @ 14:11:42
I like your comment of “overcome able”…thanks.
May 13, 2015 @ 11:29:42
Our lives can be a bit of a filigree too – complex and interwoven
May 13, 2015 @ 11:58:42
Most definitely, Bill.
May 13, 2015 @ 10:49:19
Full of things I love about the sea plus some added flair…love the boat christened “esperanza”..and how we almost drown everyday, wishing for a lifeguard when we must rely on ourselves.
May 13, 2015 @ 11:57:11
Thanks, Kathy…a stretch for “landlubber” Iowan to write nautical theme 🙂