Faithful servants,
they ask so little.
When day rests,
soft tinkles’ taps
above ripples in
still’s dying light.
The top photo was taken in July, 2009, after we’d finished sailing and had our small Siren 17 up on the trailer. The marina and the surrounding area looks quite a bit different today. I miss those days more than anyone can know. Feels like a dream anymore.
Merril is today’s host for dVerse’ Poetics. Merril says:
The prompt for today—write a poem about a boat or boats.
Tao Talk 
That looks so idyllic
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As close to heaven on earth that a person can get. It feels like a dream anymore.
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The top image looks a bit like the Norfolk Broads, the open waters where the sailing boats race, Lisa. And is that your dog? He/she looks lovely. We usually hire a small cruiser in the summer.
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They have regattas here on our inland lake also, Kim. Yes, that’s my Chauncey. He passed away in 2016. My ex called him Boat Dog. He loved sailing with us (or just being with us.) When you hire a cruiser do you hire a person to sail her also? I was always an assistant at best; my ex was the sailor.
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My husband takes the wheel, Lisa, and sometimes I take over on the straightforward stretches.
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Perfect!
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Oh what a sweet-faced pup! I’ve never sailed. It sounds lovely.
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Chaun was one of a kind. I miss him. And the sailor.
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💙
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This sounds like a wonderful memory… and I can understand the joy of being on the water.
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I didn’t ever enjoy being on Lake Michigan as much as our inland lake. Joy is a good word for it.
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what a wonderful memory to keep you warm
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<3
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I know what you mean about it feeling like a dream anymore. “Faithful servants,
they ask so little.” Indeed.
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<3
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“When day rests”– Love how that pulls a sigh out me. And the pup on the water with you, such lovely, deep memories to last a lifetime.
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Thanks, Dora <3
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such a heartfelt poem and memory, Li!!! I just love your words strung that I related to deeply!💕
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Thanks so much, Cindy. Glad you connected to the poem.
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I can feel the longing. Some experiences are imprinted in our bones. (K)
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I know it sounds stereotypical, but having had various dogs and currently having two cats, I believe there’s some truth to it: dogs like to please while cats want to be pleased. I still love both!
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I like them both also, Christian. I miss Chaun, especially when I’m outside.
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It’s tough. They really do become part of the family. We’ve lost 3 dogs over the past 5-6 years or so. Two of them we had since they were only a few weeks old.
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:(
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This is a beautiful, sweet memory, Lisa. Dogs are such great companions. That is a beautiful and peaceful scene in the photo.
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Thanks, Dwight.
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Awesome Lisa…I can’t think of our past dogs without happiness and sadness. Martha is always within reach.
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I know what you mean. Are you on the mend now?
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Well I can retain things today and I’m not in a fog…just a little miserable feeling but it’s a much better miserable lol…I do feel better anyway.
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Healing is a process and it sounds like you are headed in the right direction. Hoping you’re drinking/taking lots of Vitamin C and fluids in general. Helps hydrate and flush out the system.
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Yes I am…Jennifer has given me all kinds of things. I feel better as the day goes along.
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Glad she’s taking good care of you.
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I too would miss this sort of life. I’ve sailed once, with a small group of friends, one who has a sailboat. We went to a small island about 20 miles east of Galveston in the Gulf of Mexico waters. I won’t forget that, I’m sure you have has some that you haven’t forgotten and won’t also??
..
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Yes, Jim. Mostly with the little boat.
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Lovely memories shared Li. Time does changes things a lot, but you have your memories
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For sure, Sadje, but the residual of going back to them is usually sadness :(
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That is quite natural
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I can understand why you feel nostalgic for such a place/time.
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<3
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Beautiful, Lisa! 🫶🏼
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Thank you, Nancy <3
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Beautiful. Brought me back to when my father had his sailboat “Footloose”.
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Dale, I remember you writing about your dad and his sailboat. Was he a good captain?
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Yes. I still want to respond to this challenge but I need some time. And yes, I think he was. He was so happy during those years.
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:)
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It’s a shame it’s all changed. It was very beautiful.
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Yes, it is, Robbie. Thank you.
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Those faithful servants indeed don’t ask for much, but give back so very much.🙂
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A bit of hollow fiberglass, some yards of canvas, bits of metal for pole and centerboard, lengths of rope, and a bit of wood for a rudder…
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I never thought about it, but a bulldog would be a *good* boat dog, capable of staying out of water.
Marylanders love their retrievers, and although some say they can be trained, it’s hard to keep them out of water until they are soaked and shivering and shaking that water onto you. Big dumb cute darling dogs!
(Priscilla King)
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Thanks, Priscilla. Chaun had to learn to like water and after he did he loved it.
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In few words, you have packed a lifetime. I love this.
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Helen, glad you enjoyed it, thanks <3
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Sounds beautiful and calm and the photo does too. A sigh!
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Glad you connect with them, Di <3
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What lovely memories, Li! Chauncey must have been such a sweetheart. ❤️
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Punam, he really was <3
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❤️
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And your verse evokes that dreamlike feeling. Lovely.
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Thank you, Alexandra. How are you? Have any snow on the ground that sticks yet?
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Worse than that. We’ve got robins already (see my poem in response to the sailing prompt)
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:( Glad at least that there is mud for them to find worms in, for now anyway.
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Such a warm memory, Lisa. Thank you for sharing. I’ve never sailed but your words made me feel the joy in sailing. I enjoyed the auditory imagery in your poem.
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Smitha, thank you <3
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Peaceful and happy. memory!
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I love how it is about boating, but it is really about a best friend, so heartfelt Lisa.
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<3 Thank you, Paul.
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this is so beautiful Li :-)
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:)
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