I wrote the following poem while out of town working at one of the state parks on the Texas gulf coast; a park that is no longer there; completely destroyed in 2008 by Hurricane Ike. The destruction done by Ike damaged me a bit; left me feeling hollow; survivor’s guilt, they call it. Many lost everything–I lost nothing. Seeing this poem makes me realize I can probably write about it now. I’ve kept the emotions from the experience at bay for a long time.
Posting this poem (written years before Ike) on Thursday Poets’Rally 53. Stop in and read some of the wonderful poetry on their site!
Treasure
Up early
Nothing new, but different
The sun still somewhere else
I think it might be a perfect day
To watch it arrive
As I slip between the cabins
Through the early morning haze
A gray shape darts from nowhere
Dodging stones not thrown
A seagull cries in the distance
At the beach I look across grey water
A hint of pink lines distant clouds
Sand, raked by man and machine
Turns golden in the first light
Gulls hunt then battle for scraps upturned
A toddler squats, entranced
By a broken shell
Time-worn trash to most
A treasure—a wonder—to her
Her wonder—a treasure—to me
Copyright © 2002 C. Mashburn
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Marbles In My Pocket ~ The Official Blog of Charles L. Mashburn ~ Poems, Short Stories, and random thoughts from the author of "Be Still... and know that I am God" 
Morning said
double the treasure, wow.
enjoyed the gem,
Thanks for sharing.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the visit and lovely comment, Morning!
Morning said
PS: I did not see your link in the linkz collection, you may forget,
link in before making comments, easier for poets on blogger to visit you.
Thanks in advance.
charlesmashburn said
ooops! Thanks, for watching out for me, Morning. I just completely forgot!
Eric said
Our children can make us feel young again… when they’re not busy making us feel old.
charlesmashburn said
I hear that!
Thanks for the comment, Eric!
Kremo said
beautifully penned ! especially the last couple of lines !
charlesmashburn said
Thanks! I appreciate the comment!
David Rheins said
last line is the best “her wonder — a treasure — to me”
charlesmashburn said
I have to agree, David!
Thanks for the comment!
Sherry Mashburn said
What a lovely picture this paints in my mind . . . to see that wonder on a little face . . . how I wish it were mine.
charlesmashburn said
I picture Evie squatting and studying the shell.
The Borg Poet (@theborgpoet) said
The sun is always somewhere else…
charlesmashburn said
I guess that depends on where you are.
terri0729 said
Beautiful Charlie! The wonder of a child is ever so precious and truly is a treasure. Peace and love, Terri
charlesmashburn said
It certainly is, Terri!
Thanks for the wonder-filled comment!
Kellie Elmore said
That third stanza is beautiful!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Kellie! I’m glad you like it!
Daydreamertoo said
Awww you captured the awe of a child so wonderfully here. It’s so heart-warming to see their wide eyed innocence, what a lovely walk with you. I have a friend who lived in the heart of New Orleans, she and her family lost everything to Katrina, moved to Texas and have never managed to get back to New Orleans again through finances, you can tell that although she’s happy in Texas, her heart belongs to New Orleans.
Lovely read, thank you.
charlesmashburn said
So many have suffered displacement due to storms and floods. While it is indeed sad, I think with hard work and determination they can one day go back home.
Thank you for the awesome comments!
Larry Meredith said
On the one hand a poem of enjoying the subtle difference of each day and the nice ending of wonder shared from different perspectives. Still, with you introduction there are lines that speak ominously. It gives the poem added depth.
larry
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the great comments, Larry. They are very much appreciated!
j said
I love how you tell the story and how one is transported into what you saw and felt.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the excellent comments, J!
RoughWaterJohn said
The child in me sees the child in you, and knows we play on the same shores, and see the same treasures. Wonderful Charles, thank you!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, John! I appreciate the great comments!
manicddaily said
Beautiful pacing. Lovely turn of phrase, and idea.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much!
Kathy Bischoping said
I like the simplicity of your colour words. The poem offers a lot of calm despite the context.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the nice comments, Kathy!
ghosterb said
Nicely done my friend! I can close my eyes and picture everything you wrote, very nice.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you! Your comments are appreciated!
Ina said
I agree to all of the above, and I love the poem!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the nice comments, Ina!
kez said
beautiful and think you capture the environs wonderfully but adore the way you captured the childs joy and yeah aren’t they are little gems ….loved it thank you x
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comments. A great way to start my day!
Poetry & Icecream said
You’ve painted a lovely picture here Charles. I love the last two lines 🙂
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comments!
Old Raven said
This is a wonderful poem … universal really. I truly loved the last stanza pressing the issue that “indeed, we are all one in spirit.”
charlesmashburn said
Thank you! I appreciate the wonderful comments!
Sherrie Theriault said
I have spent a good deal of time on Sanibel Island with my parents and this is just the feel when I am there. Wonderful writing as ever!! Thank you for sharing with me. I look forward to your toast post!
charlesmashburn said
I’ll get that one posted at the first opportunity! I think you will enjoy it.
Thank you for the nice comments. They mean a great deal to me!
Rajlakshmi said
I loved the imagery… described from different angles 😀 beautiful write
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the great comments!
wordcoaster said
Absolutely love this one!
charlesmashburn said
Thanks! Glad you like it, and I appreciate the comment!
fiveloaf said
love the picture charles and tq for coming by..
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, and you’re welcome.
Andy said
Hello.
This poem made me feel somewhat sad.
The very last line was most poignant.
A lovely write from you, Charles.
Thanks for sharing.
I always appreciate your visits & comments too.
Yesterday With You
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, Andy! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
poetryroad said
Thanks for stopping by my site. I really enjoyed this and was truly moved by your words but more so by your motivation to write it. I felt that way about Joplin. It is strange how weather can be such an emotionally charged subject. It leaves us with so many conflicting feelings which you showed very vividly here with this poem. Thanks!
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I appreciate your visit to my blog and your kind words.
Sarah Johnston said
I love your last stanza yes a broken shell is a treasure to children so well done and I love your poems and coming here to read your work thank you
http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/10/05/today%e2%80%99s-feelings/
mairmusic said
Kids’ joy can be so reviving– I like the morning feel of this.
charlesmashburn said
It certainly can. Thanks for the visit and comment, mm!
Rosie said
The two concluding lines – genius!
Rosie
charlesmashburn said
Genius! I like that! Never been called that before!
Thanks for the great comment, Rosie!
clariice said
A peaceful feel to the poem, depicting things close to the heart. I like the last bit especially, to each one sees dear.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the nice comments, Clarice!
eclipseofthemoon said
Absolutely love the imagery within the words, lovely descriptions, really good write….and….gulls are my fav birds 🙂
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, Lenore! So glad you enjoyed the poem!
disjointedrhymings said
A beautiful piece, there are few things as precious as a child’s wonder.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much! I appreciate the visit and kind comments!
charlesmashburn said
Very true. Watching a child watch the world is a treat to be savored.
Thanks for the nice comments!
CC Champagne said
Very nicely done! Sucked me in and almost gave me vertigo when the perspective changed in the end… I liked it a lot!
charlesmashburn said
Cool! I never gave anyone vertigo! Well… there was that time in Sacramento.
Thanks for the great comments, CC!
Poems I have read for the Poets Rally Week 53 « A Glass of Bubbly said
[…] second poem I ended up on was by Marbles in my pocket, titled Treasure. Charles Mashburn, the blogger/poet who runs this blog often stops by here and comments (we […]
charlesmashburn said
Excellent post, CC. Thanks for the mention!
tigerbrite said
And the poem is a little treasure too:)
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Tiger! What a wonderful comment!
Jack Edwards said
Strong and vivid poem. Great stuff.
Here is my entry:
http://jackedwardspoetry.blogspot.com/2011/10/everyone.html
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, Jack! I appreciate the visit and comments!
I read your poem yesterday and tried to lelave a comment. Got this message: We’re sorry, but we were unable to complete your request. I’ve been getting that from a lot of the Blogger sites this week.
In any case, I liked your poem. Very realistic, and I think I was Gary more than a few times in the past! Nice write!
Julian Corvinus Javier said
A treasure—a wonder—to her
Her wonder—a treasure—to me
– nicely done!
————
Check out my collection of poetry from my list: “A Murder of Poems”
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the comment, Julian!
I’ll drop by and check out some more of your poems.
Lu Ann said
The last line is so beautiful… I enjoyed. Thanks for sharing!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comment!
dsnake1 said
just beautiful! vivid and moving imagery.
reminds me to love every new day that comes along. 🙂
charlesmashburn said
I’m so glad it reminded you of that!
Thank you for the visit and comments!
Classic NYer said
This poem is heartmeltingly beautiful.
charlesmashburn said
I’m glad you like it! Thanks for the great comment!
Hema said
Ha..love the last two lines! Theya re such a treasure!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Hema! I appreciate the comments!
Cherlyn said
Aww that’s so cute. Love how children can find the most meaning in things we as adults may overlook. Thanks for sharing 🙂
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the awesome comments!
Cassiopeia Rises said
Well written and lovely poem. Your imagery is excellent.
Melanie
charlesmashburn said
Thank you! I appreciate the great comments!
cj Schlottman said
Your final stanza is magical! Lovely poem with beautiful images.
Namaste……….cj
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comments. I appreciate them very much!
Bat-Ami Gordin said
wonder and treasure all in one…quite a bargain
my entry
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the nice comments!
Just Sayin' said
Very good. I enjoyed reading.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks so much!
anjum wasim dar said
expextations of happiness in a new day-miracles result in positivity
charlesmashburn said
I agree! Thanks for the comments!
Bupinder Singh said
real treasure
charlesmashburn said
Thank you! Your comment is appreciated!
mbwilliams said
‘her wonder…a treasure to me’
Love this line especially – a great poem. Mornings are magic times
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, mb! Yes, mornings are special!
Thanks for the visit and comments!
halfwaybetweenthegutter said
I live in a seaside town, and you’ve inspired me to take a little trip down to the beach tomorrow, weather permitting!
charlesmashburn said
Wonderful! I love it when I inspire folks!
Thanks for the great comments!
bendedspoon said
This is so lovely Charles. It is always the case when somebody sees something extraordinary in what is considered by most as ordinary. Blessings 🙂
charlesmashburn said
I thought you would like this one. Thank you for the visit and comments!
Life: Between the lines said
the last lines packed quite a punch, really enhanced the piece bringing it all together, wonderfully 🙂
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the wonderful comments!
caridwen said
As usual, a wonderful offering to your Muse!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the lovely comment!
Leonargo said
Your poem is a treasure! Beautiful imagery woven here.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much, The visit and comments are appreciated!
Inside the Mind of Isadora said
You’ve written about my favorite place to be:the beach. Your last line is heartfelt. You have a way of giving us that last litlle shock at the end so many times. It’s what I love about your poems.
Very nice,Charles.
Blessings,
Isadora
my entry:
http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/sleep-well-my-dear-2/
charlesmashburn said
The beach is indeed a magical place, and it has always inspired me to write.
Thanks for the wonderful comments, Isadora!
duncancleary said
Very evocative Charles, great imagery, and super thoughts.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, Duncan! I appreciate the visit and comment!
Nefarious X said
This was a well written work. Beautiful in its use of color and imagery.
The ending was satisfying and emotional
It was pleasure to read.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the awesome comments!