Magaly from Poets and storytellers United invited us to write poetry which includes the complete title of one of our favorite books.
When I was in the Netherlands recently I was given a copy of The Salt Path written by Raynor Winn and it became my favourite.
It is a true story about Raynor and her husband Moth. Moth was diagnosed with an incurable degenerative brain disease. At the same time, Raynor and Moth lost their home and farm and decided to walk England’s Southwest Coast path. The story is about incredible courage and resilience and love for nature. It is beautifully written.
The poem not only contains the title but is about the book
The Salt Path
shed by the sea,
bursting forth
from raw, raging waves
two people walk
with ragged hearts,
lives torn and frayed,
suffering in silence.
The sea casts a spell,
sings a song of survival
a lullaby to ease
their ache and agony.
Seeds are scattered;
new shoots rise,
bold with strength,
burying old worries.
A path unfolds,
leading to new places
where plans take shape
beneath a horizon
hued with hope and joy
healing hearts
in rugged nature,
free to soar
on wild, untamed wings.
Oh, that sounds like a wonderful book! (I'll be looking for it myself, now.) And your poem is a wonderful evocation of the healing power of that couple's undertaking.
ReplyDeleteYou won't regret it I started today on her second book The Wild silence Seems to be even better
DeleteIncredible.. I googled the route and there is some stunning scenery. A beautiful place to find solace and healing, if that is possible. Thanks for recommending the book.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous poem!
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it, it's about the healing power of the Sea salt and Nature seeds. The salty path created by the sea, and sprinkled with nature's seeds - saved the life of the two suffering people who tried to escape their former rugged place.
The poem almost takes to the sky like a seabird looking down on the scene.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very inspiring read, Marja, and your words are a testament to its strength of purpose. It's a wonder that our tears are salty like the ocean.
ReplyDeleteThe "rugged nature" has many lessons for us. My young life was spent a lot playing along the wooded creek at the end of our pasture. My dog came with me, also my younger sister when she was old enough.
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A new book to read! To suggest to my Book Club! Your poem is gorgeous, and as Penelope says, inspiring!!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful compassionate poem
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph sums the book up beautifully Marja. Now to find the book amongst the thousands we have at the upcoming Lifellne Bookfair. Thanks for the recommendation my friend. Take care Peggy xxx
ReplyDeleteOh the book seems wonderful, your poetic description makes it a must read , beautifully written
ReplyDeleteHi Marja - she's had rave comments/reviews here for a few years now - I think they're going to be doing some opera ... certainly thinking out of the box - albeit she's got other books out and on the go. Delighted to see it's been translated for you. Your poem is delightful ... the sea and the path looking over at it ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt seems like an incredible and inspiring book.
ReplyDeleteThe Salt Path evokes such picturesque visuals. The balance of Salt and Sugar is crucial for our body, our well being. Salt and Sugar can also be metaphorically speaking signify sorrow and happiness. A reasonable amalgamation of both is necessary for life too to make us understand the value of each little thing we get and not get in life.
ReplyDeleteLove the ending so much--the hope, the promise...
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