For Day 9 of Intro to Poetry, the prompt or topic to address is “landscape.” The poetic device suggested is apostrophe. An apostrophe is like a passage directed at a specific person or thing. The poet speaks directly to Harry or the cat or even a spoon.

The poem below came a bit too easily, and I admit to spending too little time making it flow smoothly. While trying to describe the island, I directed my words to it. So, I used apostrophe, I suppose. Whether or not I got things right… well, you be the judge.

*

My Island Smile

Upon mattress of wave-washed, rounded crushed shell

You welcome my beach towel and warm it well.

Your cerulean skies meet turquoise and emerald

Waters off-shore as I read through the Herald.

In winter, you cool my skin with your breezes.

In summer, the ‘fridge barely ice cubes freezes;

Yet you cool me e’en at the crest of mid-day

With the salt-kissed air flow you send my way.

Your palm trees wave gently as though they sway

To Caribbean music, so soft from the bay.

Thirty-se’en beaches, each unique on your mantle

Lay like rough gems on a jewel-cloth of samples.

Your flowering vines and shrubs and trees

Dance to music bare heard. Yet I feel

The pounding of waves eighteen miles away–

From Orient Beach to Lagoon’s inner bays.

Hummingbirds flitter around your crown

Of flower-strung hills that circle around.

Isle of St. Martin, you are home to me now.

Continue to smooth my old wrinkled brow.

Continue to warm me in sun-drenched embrace;

Continue to hold me with tension-free days.

Continue to be a bright, friendly isle.

Continue to be the lithe curve of my smile.

##