Refuge

Day 16: "Try writing a poem in which you describe something that cannot speak, and what it has taught or told you."

This prompt brought to mind the image I turn to whenever I'm stressed out: in a dentist chair, having a medical procedure, whatever. It immediately floods me with calm and i will be forever grateful to my ex-husband for suggesting it to me as a useful technique,  as I lay there on that Portuguese beach so many decades ago.   

In a weird coincidence, after I'd written this I discovered that I wrote about this same thing exactly two years ago in a response to a Napowrimo prompt, which shows this specific memory is still strong even if my short term memory is failing! 


Refuge

I carry with me a blessing. A memory
Of sand-worn, sun-bleached azure slats
Will summon the peace of a drowsy moment
Basking in slightly-too-hot, but longed-for sunshine,
The smell of sardines over an open flame,
The laughter of children on the breeze.
Conjured, it can drown any present-day panic
In the gentle sussuration of its waves.


© Copyright 2026. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved


If you want to compare with the other poem here's the link: https://uleychrispoetry.blogspot.com/2024/04/praia-da-rocha-algarve.html

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