The call to place, coast, Sidmouth. Cathy has asked us to create our posts on ‘the call to place’. Often, my call comes from places steeped in history, where the past is very much present, or in some liminal boundary with the here and now… But today, I shall post on a place that I used to go to from time to time, when I was visiting my parents.
I might have gone with them, or sometimes went off for an evening drive, to hear the sea. I remember once creating a ditty about another nearby seaside place with dramatic rock formations, best viewed at low tide:
“I can’t come to work today, because the tide’s out at Ladram Bay”
Anyway, this post concerns Sidmouth bay. I recall one particular early spring visit, 2nd of April. It was a beautiful sunny day, but still quite cool. We sat up above the beach where there were some gardens, and a rather nice cafe. There was almost nobody on the beach, due to the nip in the air, but one couple braved the cool air under their parasol, and I took a photograph, and later created a poem around this. Here we are:
On the Beach
Summer has come early
to one couple
On the beach
the long strand of shiny pebbles
glints in the April sun.
They alone sit braving the breeze,
perched under bright parasol,
shadows sharp behind them.
Incoming waves lace patterns
in the crescent bay
leaving ripples
on the golden sand.
And summer has come early
to this couple
On the beach.
© Sue Judd 2011
Linked to Cathy’s blog Wanderessence here
WordsVisual 
Love the thought of finding your own summer… but it does sound cold
Well, it was early April!
Lovely poem to accompany a wonderful beach!
Many thanks, Peter!
I love this evocative piece, Sue. Too cold, really, for a true beach day, yet, this couple is creating the experience they want, in advance of warm summer days. I love the last lines of the poem:
And summer has come early
to this couple
On the beach.
You also have wonderful images: strand of shiny pebbles, perched under bright parasol, shadows sharp, lace patterns. I love the pairing of the photo, the poem and your actual experience. A wonderful share. 🙂
Many thanks, Cathy, pleased you like it! Time I tried to write again, but there’s no rushing it….. That said, I’m going to try a bit of prose and pictures for your latest challenge…..dunno when!
I’ll be linking to your post in my Thursday morning post about Nashville, Sue. There is no rush, as all my invitations will be ongoing, and you can contribute whenever the urge strikes. There’s no competition and no rush. Creativity comes when it will. Thanks so much for contributing twice already! 🙂 Enjoy your Sunday. 🙂
Well, I think we are kindred spirits, so I enjoy contributing!!
I think so too, Sue. I’m glad you enjoy it. 🙂
😊
Beautiful!
Many thanks, Nicole!
Nice to read the poem whilst looking at the photo. I feel that ‘call to the coast’ a lot. Perhaps it’s because we are an island race, not sure.
Best wishes, Pete.
Who knows? And you have a lovely coast not so very far away, Pete!
Marvellous sweeping scale of this vista, and that brave little couple under their brolly.
It was a lovely sight!
that’s a really beautiful place, Sue, I just love the sea
Great photo, Sue, and I like the ‘shadows sharp behind them’. 🙂 🙂 I’ve always lived near the sea and would hate not to do so.
Thanks, Jo!
Writing! Lovely. And what a superb photo. I’m glad I wasn’t in recess when this appeared!
Woohoo! I know you like to have some words from time to time, glad you saw this and enjoyed it! Sunny Monday hugs!
Love the photo Sue. And I too like that last sentence. Sometimes we just have to make the most of the sun.
Many thanks, Jude! And yes, we have to make the most of what sun we get!
What a glorious photo and it certainly inspired beautiful evocative words from you Sue, loved them both, photo and poem
Many thanks, Pauline!
Pingback: the call to place: nashville, tennessee – ~ wander.essence ~