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When ocean mama wave sends
her little droplets out to play,
she warns them to stay away
from boats, trawlers, cruisers.
You may visit the sailing ships,
the ones that follow the winds
as we do, the ones that calmly go
in time with us, our currents,
our moon pulls.
They are safe.
Those others with their motors—
they will churn you,
turn you to foam,
make you white with fear,
toss you into the air,
the air which can evaporate you.
No smelling salts can save you then.
Listen to your mama,
you wet behind the ears droplets.
I don't want to lose you.
Be home for supper.
We're having hydrogen oxygen casserole
again.
© by Marilyn Zelke-Windau.
Used with the author's permission.
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Marilyn Zelke Windau, of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, started writing poems at age thirteen. A former art teacher, she has had five books of poetry published: Adventures in Paradise, Momentary Ordinary, Owning Shadows, Hiccups Haunt Wilson Avenue, and Beneath The Southern Crux. A Pushcart Prize nominee, her award-winning work can be found in many journals and anthologies. Marilyn includes her maiden name to honor her father, who was also a writer. When she's not writing, Marilyn works at restoring her 1891 house and creates mosaics, paintings, and books made with tea papers. A Master Gardener volunteer and an art center docent, she is married to a retired environmental engineer, has three daughters, and three grandchildren.
     
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Jo:
What a fun poem. Delightful language. I bet your students loved you--such playfulness in your art.
Posted 05/01/2013 09:52 PM
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Betty Smith:
Betty Smith
Delightful....Original....
Posted 05/01/2013 10:47 AM
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Linda Muldoon:
Love the playful dry wit. Wonderful way to start the first of May morning (rather like the surprise may baskets of long ago. Thanks.
Posted 05/01/2013 09:50 AM
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gjressmeyer:
Just got back from walking the shore of Lake Michigan and can't think of a better way to start my day than with that hike and this poem! Thank you, Marilyn.
Posted 05/01/2013 08:20 AM
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Janet Leahy:
The language in this poem is delightful, thanks Marilyn
Posted 05/01/2013 07:57 AM
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rksanders@charter.net:
Love the lines, "they will churn you,/turn you to foam." Thanks, Marilyn!
Posted 05/01/2013 07:14 AM
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Joybug:
I love it. The way you take on the life of a droplet of water is sooo cool. At the same time we're reminded of what polution does to the water. Great writing!
Posted 05/01/2013 06:49 AM
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Larry Schug:
Ocean Mama is everybody's mama; be good to her and all her children. This is a five-star poem!
Posted 05/01/2013 06:37 AM
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paula:
What fun! You have such a way with extended comparison.
Posted 05/01/2013 06:02 AM
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Jean D:
What a Delightful poem! Brought a smile and a chuckle to my early morning rise. Her play on words has me reading it over & over.
Jean :D
Posted 05/01/2013 05:38 AM
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Maryann Hurtt:
I love how Marilyn's mind works...it never fails to make me see things brand new.
Posted 05/01/2013 05:30 AM
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MaryLeeHahn:
Love that Ocean Mama has droplets for children!
Posted 05/01/2013 04:19 AM
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