A Poem of Poetic Paddling: Maritime Energy
Paddleboarding: Poetry in Motion
Paddleboarding is poetry in motion. It starts with skill, then becomes an art form, a meditation, an existential journey on a wooden or fiberglass vessel across oceans, marinas, and lakes.
It takes balance, plenty of core work, and upper body strength. Since the sea is so unpredictable, it's best not to venture out there alone, unless you are a seasoned veteran.
Once upright, the paddler needs to look straight ahead to keep the board from veering off. With knees slightly bent, feet hip-width apart, the paddle will switch hands as needed, creating an easy flowing rhythmic motion, gliding across the water's surface to destinations unknown.
Please enjoy "Maritime Energy" and watch the video poem.
Maritime Energy, by Mark Tulin
Paddling straight ahead
single-mindedly
I slide into a billowing cloud
of ocean turbulence
not sure what I’ll find
exploring daylight
in the breath of morning’s
beast, where two pelican
silhouettes
drift along
the lonely surf
I move in chugging
sweeping rhythms
arms pushing
into the earth’s
resistance
Each side
I tend equally
digging into
the maritime energy
I glide gracefully
letting the tide
do its magic
as I maintain
my balance
continue my flow
staying upright
and on course
in the seafaring brine
of the misty
mysterious.
Comments
AUTHORThanks,Genna. Much appreciated.
I do so love the ocean, and this poem.
"exploring daylight
in the breath of morning’s
beast, where two pelican
silhouettes
drift along
the lonely surf..."
Gorgeous writing, Mark, that exists both above and below the surface. And what a striking video. :-)
- AUTHOR
Shauna, I’m so glad the poem lights up your senses. Have a safe rest of the summer.
Mark, this is such a soothing poem. I love your water-themed poetry. I can smell the salt air, feel the breeze and the freedom of soul as you glide across the water. The video is beautifully choreographed. I love the boats in the background. They add to the serenity of your morning rapture.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Gypsy Rose Lee. I’m glad you liked it.
Loved your poem and thank you for taking me on the water.
- AUTHOR
Thank you for your lovely thoughts, Maya.
Mark, I loved your poem for its rhythm and pulsing undercurrents. Beautiful words with even more beauty and depth lying between the lines.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Ankita.
- AUTHOR
Yes, Miebakagh, I will surely check out your water stories.
- AUTHOR
Yes, Flourish. It takes great concentration to navigate the seas.
Wonderful poem with beautiful descriptions of paddleboarding. It was a nice read.
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Mark, yes, my home town is washed by the Atlantics, and our primariy means of living-depends on the water. I have told at least three related stories here. More to come later. Thanks feedback.
Mark, yes, my home town is washed by the Atlantics, and our primariy means of living-depends on the water. I have told at least three related stories here. More to come later. Thanks feedback.
Nice poem. I could feel the focus and intensity as one tries to stay upright, afloat, move forward or backward, and be aware of the surroundings all at once
- AUTHOR
You’re welcome, John. Happy canoeing.
Paddleboarding sounds like the perfect way to combine exercise with relaxation/meditation. I haven’t tried it but love canoeing. Great poem Mark, and always love your reading. Thanks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
I’m happy that the poem stirred some pleasant memories for you, Jason. Much peace and health.
I always loved being out on the water. When I lived in MA, I would often go fishing at the lake with my friends. We would use a small rowboat and row out to the best areas to catch fish. Your poem brought back good memories of better times. Beautiful write. Vividly described. Very enjoyable read. Nice job!
- AUTHOR
Miebakagh, I’m sure you have your own river stories to tell.
Mark, I'm a riverine dweller and. I do know for sure how it relates. I enjoy the read. Much thanks.
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Lorna. Never tried wind sailing or hang gliding. I’m sure both are equally surreal.
It sounds very peaceful Mark. I have tried wind sailing which is fun, once you get the hang of it. Your poem has a surreal feel to it which I enjoyed.
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