Stan Galloway’s poem Apology appeared in October as part of Contributor Series 6: A Currency of Words. Today he gives us a poem about revisiting a moment in time. Click here for an audio reading of the poem and some words from Stan about the poem.
Remembering Waikiki
By Stan Galloway
Unnumbered days have passed
since we looked out on Waikiki,
but I remember still the ocean, vast
as love itself. The first night’s moon slow-burned,
by raw decree, in salty urn
of Cupid’s potpourri.
Out on the balcony,
in ruffling wind, we both discerned
the steady waves, assumed a guarantee
our bliss–as sure–would certainly outlast
the airy turn of moonlight cast
on water-driven churn.
Beguiled, I did not learn
each clap of sand and wave recast
the grain and substance of each small concern
to subtly alter facets by degree.
What does not last become debris.
Each now becomes the past.
Lovely poem of a lovely place. I imagine…lovely memories for you.
Thanks, Jeanette. Imagination and memory both change over time. I’m glad the sense of place came through for you.
I liked the lines:
“but I remember still the ocean, vast
as love itself.”
I also appreciated Stan’s words about the “framing” of poetry.
Thanks, Ray. I always appreciate words of encouragement, especially from one I know uses words well himself (or herself, in other cases).