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Requiem For a Seahorse

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On a sultry, sizzling July day I swear it happened just this way In a tidal pool, a lifeless seahorse lay He’d not galloped to meet his fate But was caught in a wave’s cruel wake High tide retreated, closed the gate Oh, to have seen him in his prime Not corralled by diminishing brine But free to romp near the shoreline Confined, he withered, but sparked some thought Of the delight he might have brought If, for an aquarium, he’d been bought Tenderly, I cupped his sad remains And placed him into the sea again Where others of his kind were still in reign Yet, before I could utter my last goodbye A sudden movement caught my eye In shock, my elation began to amplify Kissed by cool sea, this sleeping equine Proved the strength of his endangered bloodline By swimming away from the sandy coastline A once-in-a-lifetime moment for me I cheered aloud as he trotted out to sea So ponder this and I’m sure you'll agree This magical rebirth is a lesson to share When you think life is beyond a prayer Just give it some help; hope is still there *April 17, 2018

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018




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Date: 5/18/2018 7:44:00 AM
What a perfectly charming story, Carolyn. Very brightly written and uplifting.
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Date: 5/13/2018 11:24:00 AM
You my friend, remind us that hope always exist- even when we fail to admit, see or know it could.... This is truly a wondrous tale and so well written-even more so that I see it is true! I had my son Justin read it and he immediately asked when we can go there looking for seahorses! A fav is this bright gem..
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Date: 4/26/2018 5:05:00 AM
What a great story told so beautifully, Carolyn.
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Date: 4/24/2018 9:51:00 AM
You show all the traits of a natural writer and a kind-hearted animal lover, Carolyn! The end stanza contains a wise lesson to share. Hugs // paul
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Date: 4/24/2018 2:37:00 AM
Excellent. Very inspiring write. Enjoyed reading it.
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Date: 4/23/2018 5:10:00 PM
wow, I love how you told this tale. Did it really happen to you on a shore one day? This is fabulous.
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 4/24/2018 1:35:00 PM
Yes, it happened quite a few years ago at St. George Island in the Florida Panhandle. I used to go there to collect shells for artwork. I had never seen a seahorse up close before then.
Date: 4/18/2018 9:25:00 PM
That is such a caring compassionate thing to do Carolyn. I love the story here, and the moral of it. I've nursed many a sick bird that ended up in my garden, and released it back when it was well, such a sense of peace follows. ....Maria Hugs
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 4/24/2018 1:41:00 PM
Yes, there is a special joy when we feel we've made a difference in a vulnerable creature's life. Thank you, Maria.
Date: 4/17/2018 8:46:00 PM
Ohh absolutely spectacular, Carolyn.. An inspired write for sure! So many great poetic lines tell a fabulous story of a small but mighty seahorse set free in the sea by compassionate hands. Your rhymes shine in your lovely rhythmic lines.. Best wishes for a win!
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 4/24/2018 2:32:00 PM
Such a kind comment, Susan. Thank you!