Mermaids and Water Worlds
I live 400m from the beach. I’ve lived in different locations, close to the sea, for the last 15 years and can’t really imagine living inland. As thalassophile and open water swimmer, it’s ideal. The changing mood of the seas, the open skies, the ozone, the cold water thrill - for me there is nothing better. If I’m stuck on a painting or piece of writing, I head to the beach; if I have a headache or am feeling low, a quick dook in the sea sorts me out. It is my go to place for restoration and inspiration.
I’ve written a lot about water and the sea in particular. This poem of mine, Water Baby, sums up a lot about my relationship with the deep blue.
Water Baby
I was born to water
like some people
are born to fame.
Dragged screaming
from amniotic fluid,
I knew the solidity of land
was not for me.
My parents sensed it -
launched me in water
at an early age -
feeling perhaps,
my callipered legs
would quickly turn
to mermaid’s tail.
I swam
to save myself
from drowning.
And still
the living water calls me;
keeping me
coast-bound -
the necessity of sea.
What are the recurrent themes in your own writing?
Do you find it hard to write about the places that mean the most to you?