They Asked Me To Do a Reading About the Sea
(as written and read by Keith Torgan)
They asked me to do a reading about the sea
“The sea?†I asked.
“The sea†they said
Well
I’ve always loved the sea
When I was small
My father took me to the sea
And threw me in the air
And caught me
In the warmth of his fur
I loved the sea
The waves made me happy
When I grew enough
To take the sea-dare alone
I’d run down the hot beach
Jump onto the wet shore
And bounce into the surf
I’d let the sea encircle me in green light
And take me freely
Again and again and again
I’d let it throw me against
The ocean floor
Scraping me
Into meditative oblivion
I’d run uphill dragging my feet through hot sand
And roll my whole wet body
Till I was coated
Slippery skin
Bathing suit and all
In hot dry sand
And once again
I’d run screaming
Down and leap
Head first into
The curling waves ;
As I grew
And on my own
I’d drive to the shore
To take my mind
From sadness
Or madness
I’d sit on rocks
And stare at the sea
And breath
The cold fresh air
To salve my heart
Remembering the time
When ocean was fun
And pop and I were one
And there was no ache
I’d come here
For peace
And none would come
And after a short look-see
I’d leave
Because this sea
Took on the life
I’d brought with me.
And even so
I tell you
I love the sea
My home is
Where the waves well
I swear I’m filled with
All it’s parts
It’s water, salt and sand
It’s ships and seaside stands
I take it where I am
Regardless of the view
Keith Torgan
August 5, 2005