Oceana

Oceana Oceana flings her sequined petticoats Upon the sands as if to toss the seaweed From the swirling edges While she dances with the wind With each turn she swings her skirts In thunder As she passes – faster, faster - Until her laughter foams upon the waves And in the early midnight dawns She turns to cover up Her turquoise evening gown With capes of fog so thick The soaring gulls seem to carry This her summer train To quickly change into a dress of silver satin, Bound with trims of frothy sprays, Rising and swelling, When morning reaches for windy afternoons, She teases sudden lightning outbursts Leaving behind upon the outstretched strands A foaming lace of pearls That decorate her new rippling dress Of brilliant sapphire blue Drawing it around the world in flowing currents To follow, ever follow, the lilting music Of her lover moon, Softly singing enchanted melodies, Ever beckoning his earthbound bride unto himself To watch her gaily waltz upon the rolling seas Circling to his rune. Number of Lines 30 6-29-22 - N/A Contest: Marathon Mile Five Sponsor: Mark Toney 8-13-22 Contest: Poetry Marathon Mile 12 Sponsor: Mark Toney 6/20/19 On Top 100 All Time Poems list 1st - Trophy Win - Juliet Lingon 1st - Julia Ward 11/29/20 1st - Brian Strand 1/14/20 Featured Poem 5/2/21 Included in Poetry Soup Anthology #2 - It's Still Poetry Included in CWC Anthology - First Prize Winner Independent Publishers Award Indie Press Awards

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Gary Radice

Date: 8/30/2022 1:00:00 PM

Oceana's mood & wardrobe changes captured in beautiful personification Sam. The ocean can be so mesmerizing; it's been proven that its sounds and movement can help slow down the brain 'waves' and promote relaxation - just like your poem. Great stuff. Cheers - Gary

Sam Kauffman
Date: 9/12/2022 10:34:00 AM

Thank you so much Gary! I agree! The ocean is such an hypnotic experience with its swells and waves and constant moving energy! Thank you so much for your message and your feedback. I am so glad the movement of the ocean came through in this poem. Hope you are well. Cheers!

John Watt

Date: 8/29/2022 2:52:00 PM

Samba, the championship rings are adding up for the one that I believe is near (or at) the top of the list of your many poetic all-stars! So tickled to sea this one swirl its way into another winner's list with its current of turquoise gowns and foamy pearls. Congrats, dear friend, and keep on inspiring! Tides of blessings ~ your R&Rbro

Sam Kauffman
Date: 9/12/2022 10:28:00 AM

Hi John! I am amazed and delighted with the success of this poem! One never knows what reactions a poem may get. I am so happy that this has been so well received. It has always been one of my favorites and I remember the special, oceanside setting where I wrote it! Looks like the Friars have a good chance at a wild card! Giants have fallen flat. Can't believe season is almost over! Sending you blessings on ocean waves dear friend!

Susan Ashley

Date: 8/27/2022 9:39:00 PM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, it is indeed an even more enchanting experience to return and reread this magnificent and magical poem. You capture Oceana’s moody beauty so eloquently. I’m thrilled to share the podium with you, my inspiring poetry sis! Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes sent on the wings of soaring gulls.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman
Date: 8/29/2022 9:34:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your lovely message flows over me like gentle ocean swells of joy! Sending you my heartfelt gratitude for your beautiful words of feedback that so capture the persona of Oceana - moody, "magical" and mercurial. My husband and I had spent a day at the ocean recently. I watched in sheer wonder as the ocean changed moods like changing dresses for different occasions. It truly was a "magical" experience. It is a blessing indeed to be able to share these mystical moments with you my dear poetry sis! And it is such an honor to place in Mark's contest with so many amazing poems. Blessings to you on magical tides!

Valsa George

Date: 8/27/2022 9:41:00 AM

Georgeous images ! Oceana is on a catwalk along the ramp wearing dazzling costumes of silver satin and turquois blue. The moon above- her groom is watching her in great admiration. Beautiful composition. No wonder this poem has heaped so many accolades ! Congratulations, dear Sam !

Mark Toney

Date: 8/26/2022 9:16:00 AM

Sam, this is exquisite! How creative to describe Oceana's elegantly expressive costume changes (I counted 4). My favorite part is "Of her lover moon, Softly singing enchanted melodies, Ever beckoning his earthbound bride unto himself To watch her gaily waltz upon the rolling seas ..." I'll never think of the tide in the same way again! Congratulations on your win on Mile 12 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 13 has already started!

Constance La France

Date: 8/26/2022 7:57:00 AM

Sam, excellent writing and poem and congratulations on your win in the contest ~

Sam Kauffman
Date: 8/28/2022 9:36:00 AM

Thank you so much Constance! We spent a day at the ocean when this poem was born. That day the ocean seemed to change moods like a lady changes her clothes for different occasions. I am so happy you enjoyed meeting Oceana. Sending you blessings!

Laura Leiser

Date: 7/17/2022 6:09:00 AM

Gorgeous poetry, Sam! Exquisite, with a magic appeal of its own. A fave! :)

Sam Kauffman
Date: 7/18/2022 9:58:00 AM

Laura thank you so much! Was at the ocean one afternoon and found myself mesmerized by its changing moods. It was, indeed, a magical experience that I hoped I could translate into a poem. I so appreciate your affirming feedback. The ocean is a magic place! All the best! Blessings to you!

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 6/22/2022 1:25:00 AM

A wonderful apparel of the ocean Sam, congratulations for all the honours your poem has received… Belle

Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/22/2022 10:03:00 AM

Thank you so much Belle! I am so grateful for the recognition this poem has received. Had a lot of Heavenly inspiration and help! Occasionally we give birth to a poem with a life of its own. For me, this is one of those poems. I wrote it after spending a day at the ocean. I feel so blessed not only to have written it but the greatest blessing is being able to share it especially with fellow poets on the soup! Your notes and messages are blessings! Thank you! Hope you are doing well. Think of you often. Sending you bunches of blessings!

Timothy Ray

Date: 4/9/2022 7:32:00 PM

i lived on the ocean in Mexico for a couple of years and this poem so expresses that time in beautiful lines....the most magical experience is when the full moon retires on a silver path beneath the horizon

Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/12/2022 11:44:00 AM

Thank you so much Timothy. We live close to the ocean - always a source of moving inspiration. I wrote this after a day at the beach when the ocean's moods seemed to change minute by minute. I agree - moonlight on the perpetual movement of the ocean is a magical experience! I see you are new to "the soup." Welcome. So nice to meet you. All the best.

Lonna Blodgett

Date: 3/7/2022 7:04:00 PM

I am so glad that I took the time to read this most beautiful depiction of my love for the ocean! Thanks Sam. Lonna

Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/12/2022 11:47:00 AM

Lonna! I can't believe I missed your lovely note!!! :( Thank you for your beautiful message. The ocean is truly a place of magic, mystery and inspiration! Sending you blessings. Happy Easter!

Susan Ashley

Date: 5/31/2021 7:56:00 PM

My dear rhyme time friend, I am ever enchanted by your dreamy artistry. Lush and luscious imagery ebbs and flows in the moods of Oceana across the sandy expanse of my imagination bringing me to the center of this piece and to the brilliant core of your creativity. Your golden pen shines with the soulful beauty of your heart's fantasy, dear Sam. Congratulations with your trophy win for this masterwork and for your win in Juliet's contest. Warmest wishes and hugs sent on rolling waves.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/4/2021 1:23:00 PM

Dearest Rhyme Time friend, I sail upon your gracious words likes waves upon Oceana's flowing tides with an exuberance filling my sails powered by your humbling words! Thank you for filling me with the winds and tides of inspiration and encouragement. You give my pen wings to soar! I so love your inspired, anointed poems. So grateful for your note of congratulations. Sending you prayers and hugs on tides of great affection!

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 5/25/2021 10:33:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. What a creative story/write. "Beautiful" Have a blessed day..................

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/25/2021 11:08:00 AM

Thank you so much dear friend. The ocean, and her moods, were such a fun inspiration for this poem. Blessings on your week and very creative pen.

Ken Rone

Date: 5/24/2021 2:16:00 PM

Congratulations on your win with this fine piece! Great work and well deserved.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/25/2021 11:05:00 AM

Hi Ken! Thank you for your congratulations. So glad you liked it. The inspiration came from many hours being hypnotized by watching the waters of Puget Sound in all seasons and weather! Hope you are doing well. Go Dawgs! We watched the collegiate rowing competition. Was fun to see the Dawgs take the PAC 12 championship and be rated #1 in the country.

Juliet Ligon

Date: 5/23/2021 5:39:00 PM

Congratulations, Sam! I love your beautiful personification.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/25/2021 11:01:00 AM

Hi Juliet. Thank you! So grateful for your contest, placement of this poem and the opportunity to re-introduce Oceana and her wardrobe. The ocean has always been a deep source of inspiration. Congratulations to the other winners - so many creative and unique writes I am deeply honored by your placement of Oceana. Sending you blessings and gratitude.

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 5/23/2021 3:13:00 PM

Dear Sam, congratulations for the most original poem. It is evocatively beautiful! The images are fascinating! Love ~ Mala

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/25/2021 10:55:00 AM

Thank you dear friend! The ocean has always had a mesmerizing effect for me, almost hypnotic. One day I saw the woman dancing and Oceana was born. I so appreciate your visits and empowering messages! Much love and a hug, Mala. Blessings.

Jcb Brul

Date: 2/3/2021 9:03:00 AM

Wow! Now I don't wonder why this got a trophy. Belated congratulations...stunning imagery!! A fave!!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/5/2021 1:05:00 PM

Hi JCB! Thank you for your visit - always an uplifting time and so appreciated! So honored by your fav and congratulations. I do love the many powerful moods of the ocean that create such vivid pictures for me. Warm wishes to you and blessings!

John Hamilton

Date: 11/30/2020 8:40:00 AM

I love the imagery you painted, and the metaphor of a woman changing dresses according to the mood, I found this on the top 100 all time, at 100, congrats on all the accolades, with more to come. A fave for me!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 12/2/2020 1:27:00 PM

Wow! Thank you John for letting me know. Haven't looked at the list in a while. For me, Oceana, and her "moods," is a constant source of inspiration. So honored by your fav. Many thanks - blessings of "note" coming your way!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/29/2020 12:00:00 AM

How absolutely beautiful, Sam. Big congrats on number one!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/29/2020 10:25:00 AM

Andrea, thank you my friend! I am always inspired by the many moods of lady Ocean. Hope all is well. Sending you blessings of the season!

John Watt

Date: 11/28/2020 9:12:00 PM

It was so wonderful to read this one again, Sam! Your painting of the sea with her magnificent wardrobe is so delightful to drink in and savor. So happy for you taking a 1st place with this in Julia's contest. Enjoy your Sunday, dear friend.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/29/2020 10:21:00 AM

Many thanks my friend! There is something irresistible about the beauty of the ocean. You are so blessed to be able to see her from your office! I so appreciate your message and your lovely words of congratulations! Sending you waves of blessings all dressed up for this season of preperation starting today!

Ricky Muse

Date: 11/28/2020 9:00:00 PM

Congrats my friend. Great poem especially the line "To follow, forever follow, the lilting music Of her lover moon."

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/29/2020 10:12:00 AM

Hello Ricky! Thank you for your congratulatory message. I am so glad you like this poem. The relationship of the ocean and the moon just seems like a love story to me. Hope you are well my friend. Take care!

Frances Schiavina

Date: 11/28/2020 11:25:00 AM

Magnificent! Congratulations on top win.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/28/2020 2:06:00 PM

Thank you so much Frances. I had a magnificent model in the ocean for this write! So appreciate your gracious message. Sending you blessings of the season.

Lonna Blodgett

Date: 11/28/2020 9:07:00 AM

Spoken like a quintessential designer!! Brilliant write Sam - a fave. Best wishes Lonna

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/28/2020 9:49:00 AM

Thank you Lonna. So honored by your fav! At one time I did a lot of sewing. Had some fleeting fancy about fashion design. That combined with the ever changing face of the ocean went into this poem. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. So great to have a chance to visit. All the best!

Margarita Lillico

Date: 11/28/2020 7:53:00 AM

Beautiful Win! M.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/28/2020 9:44:00 AM

Hi Margarita! So nice to meet you! Thank you for your visit and your congratulations. Sending you all the best.

Anisha Dutta

Date: 11/28/2020 7:15:00 AM

BIG CONGRATS to win TOP on your EXCEPTIONAL poem. Hugs

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/28/2020 9:41:00 AM

Thank you so much Anisha. Have always loved this poem and it is so wonderful to be able to share it with all of you! Hope you are well. Blessings to you as we come into this season of joy!

Greg Gaul

Date: 11/28/2020 5:43:00 AM

Oceana is such a busy lady Sam! She wisks through the globe twirling all about in such a lovely way. And then in a final swirl, she brings you the top win. Congratulations dear poet, well deserved!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 11/28/2020 9:40:00 AM

Greg, thank you! The ocean is truly an amazing spectacle and such a wonderful source of inspiration. Always on the move - never the same - even one minute to the next! I so appreciate your gracious congratulations and your messages! Hope all is well and that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Alll the best.