Her Cottage by the Sea (continued)

On By Michele LeeIn Dreams, love, nature, Reading, Verse
Slowly, she traced the smooth edge
of the top curve of her steamy cup. Smooth, it was,
under a fingertip that had felt his lips, soft to her touch.
Knees tucked under her chin, wrapped in a soft blanket
with hanging fringes swaying in the gentle wind.
Her body warmed by thoughts of him.
A smile birthed in her center, then flutter it did,
away from her edges, toward him –
the one tossing driftwood toward a stray
that had found the two of them.

A finger tracing, a mind remembering
their night before, that held radiant stars,
both near and far. Internal beats
did rise and blend with the changing hues
that began fireside then singed the crisp page
of a golden day. A passion that did pulse and vibrate
beyond their bare and salty skin – reaching other worlds,
it did extend.

Her tracing meditation paused when she felt his stare.
On her love, with chest bare, her eyes did gaze,
and on him her eyes remained. The solo butterfly
that fluttered from her core, now thousands
fluttering around him and the rolling shore,
where he stood tall, like Khrysos,
bathing in golden splendor,
flooding her in rapture.

My seaside love poems begin here: “Her Cottage by the Sea” (1); “Her Cottage by the Sea (continued) (2)”; and the inspiration for the series: “A Writer’s Dream“

I caught up on some reading this week, finishing a book I bought in Oregon several months ago, titled, My Lost Poets – A Life in Poetry, by Philip Levine. Levine was an American Poet, Pulitzer Prize winner, university professor, and Poet Laureate for the U.S. (2011-2012). He was best known for his poems about working class Detroit. He wrote “for and about the common man” (poetryfoundation.org). Levine’s book is packed with entertaining stories, his poems, and engaging commentary on other poems.

While I am talking books… I would like to recommend two poetry books written by talented poets and fellow bloggers. The first is, has had paradise, by blogger, theusedlife. The creator of this engaging chapbook also creates captivating collages. Her book and art can be purchased through her etsy page; the link can also be found on her site. The other book is, Memoirs of a Star – Poetry for the Soul, written by Diana Menezes, found at theglittersoul.com. You can find Diana’s book, along with my review (and others) on Amazon. If you are not yet familiar with these artists, I highly recommend you give them a visit and a follow.

Thank you for visiting and reading. Be well. 💗 Michele

Photos: my images, South Carolina, Atlantic Ocean

© 2021 Michele Lee Sefton

73 thoughts on “Her Cottage by the Sea (continued)”

  1. Adjoining your lovely photographs from the shores of South Carolina, your passionate and poetic seaside romance brings steam to the sands, delight to the stars. Wonderful work, Michele. ✍🏼💫💕 And, your look with books certainly reads well. 🌞🌹

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    1. A trip to the sea is always a treat, whether it be in real life or in dreams. Thank you, Phil, for your thoughtful words. I delight in the notion that stars are delighting in anything to do with me. 🌟 😆 🙏🏻 Enjoy your weekend!

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  5. Buddy Smith

    Such a lovely write with a gentle & romantic seaside vibe! A joy to read with my morning coffee. “By Bus to Fresno” is a favorite Levine poem. But there are many.

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    1. A most pleasant vibe. 🥰 Thank you, Buddy. ☕ That is a powerful Levine poem. Thank you for sharing – I love the ending:

      “… Behind his calm brow / he dreams, perhaps, of a future / rushing toward us sooner than we know.”

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  6. While this poem impacts a story alive with sensation, as in the steam of the cup against skin that awakens warm memories splendid in golden sunset, I love the opening line most as the picture of her tracing the rim of her cup is memorable and peaceful! ❤

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    1. Gorgeous commentary, Jaya. Your imagery warms me. 😁 I do like to put myself in the scene, as much as possible, and imagine what the speaker might hear, see, feel, taste, and touch. You would laugh if you saw the varied first lines that I wrote for this third one, then I imagined the woman sitting on the deck – the lines spilled from there. 😉 Thank you. 🌅

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    1. Thank you. 😁 No better way than some seaside romance to warm up the day. 💕🌞 No, I live in the Sonoran Desert region, in Arizona. My photo shares are from South Carolina, taken last June. ✈ Thank you so much. Wishing you the same. Enjoy your seaside views. 😍 I sure enjoy your shares!

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      2. You will love it, as long as you stay clear of the summer months. It is dreadfully hot! There are many gorgeous places to visit, including the Grand Canyon, of course! Breathtaking views – just stay away from the edge. 😨

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  11. So much passion and fire in your poem, Michele. Was other worldly in and of itself. I loved it! Glad you got some reading in, sounds amazing. I’ve not read the first book you’ve recommended, yet do own Diana’s. Wonderful poetry.. Have a wonderful Saturday! 🥰❤️

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    1. Most pleasing to my poet heart that my penned fire and passion is felt beyond the page. Thank you, Jeff. 😍 It has been nice to slow down a bit and find some extra reading time. Very different poetic styles – both wonderful. 💕 Thank you, same to you. Hope your weather invites you outside. My daughter will be visiting AZ in a few weeks and she is excited to feel some sunshine. 🌞 Mine and in the sky. 😁

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      1. Your daughter will get the best of both of those shines. 🥰 You’re welcome, Michele. Always. Yes, that’s so nice, I’m looking forward to the coming break, to do the same. 💖 Outside a little today, more tomorrow. 🤗✨🌹

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      2. Very nice of you to say. 🙏🏻 The December break is always so needed! For years I spent the days before grading, grading, grading – projects, papers, more papers. 🤢 I am sure you are ready for yours too. Hopefully, your college had a smooth transition back to in-person classes. Enjoy your time in nature. 🌳🌲🤗

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  12. Talk about a hunk-a-hunk-a-burning love! ❤💞💓 Your passionate prose pulsates with a rapturous flow of finger-tracing sensuality that makes me clutch my pearls again 💑👄👑📿 and reach for my folding fan! 👸🏽 Lawd, Lawd, Lawd!!!

    Beautifully penned Michele, but I must excuse myself right now for a cool shower! Whew! 😯🥶😅 You certainly know how to bring strong emotions from your words my dear! 🤗🥰😘

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    1. You know how to make me smile and laugh. 😂 Thank you for those gifts! 💝 “passionate prose pulsates” – cheers to those three p’s 🥂 Imagining the scene made me a little dizzy too my dear. 🥰 A most enjoyable spin. 😁 💞Thanks for being you! 😘

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  18. This is an incredible poem, Michele! Storytelling, sentimental, and sublimely sensual🌸💕…. You poetry compasses wide range of emotions and sensations. A sleek and beautiful work from a very lovely lady writer! 🥳

    loved your picture by the book shelves💕

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  21. Oh Michele! I can’t tell you how elated I am while reading this post!😍😍😍 You are really much too kind! Thank you for the sweet mention of my book and my site.. I really appreciate it greatly!! Your poem is so beautiful as always. I love the photos too. I haven’t been active for a week on social media.. Life has been a bit busy as we approach the year end! I hope you have a wonderful Xmas week… And may you be blessed always!! Thank you so much once again! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🤗🙏😘💐

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    1. It was absolutely my honor, Diana. You deserve it, your writing is dreamy, beautiful, and original. Thank you for appreciating my post. 💖 I understand about this time of year. Take care of yourself and enjoy the holidays with your family. 🤗💝🎄

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  27. Pingback: Saturday Shorts – Her Cottage by the Sea – My Inspired Life

  28. Pingback: Suspended Existence (flash fiction w/audio) – My Inspired Life

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