Day 20 - Mountains or Oceans

I live in the Pacific Northwest with a view of Mt. Rainier. I live in awe of this sleeping volcano that could wake up at any time. It is majestic and beautiful and deadly. I also live near the Pacific Ocean. When I was young, my family would backpack out to the ocean and camp for a week every summer. We would play in the waves until we were completely numb, salty and exhausted then sunbathe in the cold while sand fleas jumped all over our feet. I wanted to be a mermaid. Once, my sister went out too far in an out-going tide and couldn't get back in. Luckily, my father was a strong swimmer and was able to pull her back. The ocean is vast, and beautiful, and deadly. 

Many people see a mountain and need to climb it, an ocean and they have to cross it, the ultimate physical challenges to overcome. Others like, skiers and surfers, use their unique qualities for sport. Others find peace admiring the view.

                                                    Ain't No Mountain High Enough

                           (for this prompt think ocean when they sing river if you so choose)

Word prompts: awe, strive, conquer, majestic, vast, bold, brisk, exhaustion (the happy kind)

Do you remember the first time you touched a mountain, or an ocean? When was the last time you were on a mountain? When was the last time you were at the ocean? Remember the sounds, smells, textures and tastes. Do you only imagine mountains and oceans, but have never experienced them yourself? How do you relate to these giants of earth? Do you stare in awe, actively interact, or need to conquer?

Suggested form: Haibun

You can find more examples at Contemporary Haibun Online

If you enjoy this form, I suggest checking out dVerse poetry pub's Haibun Mondays

 

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

 

Maria L. Berg enjoys brisk swims in the Pacific Northwest. Her short fiction has appeared in Five on the Fifth, America's Emerging Writers Anthology and most recently in Writer Shed Stories. She writes and photo-illustrates Gator McBumpypants picture books and plays many instruments. You can find her poetry at experiencewriting.com.