Monday, November 05, 2007

Molokini

Unforgettable moment: scuba diving with giant mantas.

My facemask tight against my nose, I glide
with bubbles trailing from my regulator.
Leaden weights fit close against my sides,
meridian my personal equator.
I was a private planet, self-contained
my orbit, some subaqueous ellipse
til overhead, a devil shadow planed
and blotted out the sun in brief eclipse.
A giant manta. Wingspan: thirteen feet.
Immense and gentle, close enough to touch.
And I am lost, my orbit incomplete,
my self forgotten, reaching out to clutch
with hands and heart both full of turbulence
its wake, a trail of comet radiance.


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14 comments:

Greggo said...

this is an absolutely beautiful description of an unforgettable moment!

Marja said...

I was a private planet self-contained. Wonderfully written.

Anonymous said...

Yes, the notion of the private planet works very well as a central metaphor to this vivid piece.

Crafty Green Poet said...

that must have been an incredible experience. Bueatifully written as always!

Keith's Ramblings said...

Would have scared the life out of me! Great story.

Pauline said...

I like the transition from being self contained to being lost in the wake of something awesome

Anonymous said...

'meridian my personal equator' I love this line, and the rest as well. Beautiful.

Sr. Heather said...

I second Pauline - that movement from within ourselves to in touch with the greater world, that's powerful stuff.

I especially liked
And I am lost, my orbit incomplete,
my self forgotten, reaching out to clutch
with hands and heart both full of turbulence
its wake, a trail of comet radiance.


Wonderful!

writerwoman said...

I felt like I was there.

Cassiopeia Rises said...

Beautiful my friend. You have such a gift of story telling and description
that I envy the glory you see. I too have touched the giant Manta and felt it's gentle wisdom. Well done!!!

love-bd

Gill said...

Thirteen foot wing span....
You had me there. I can think of nothing more unforgettable than that!
What a thrill...
xo
Gillian

Tumblewords: said...

A most magical moment! 'Tis indeed unforgettable...

Andy Sewina said...

I've never been scuba-diving but you make me feel like I should go.

Annie Jeffries said...

Stunning. Just gorgeous. You put me there with you.