Here’s Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Tuesday #269. It’s a specific form or Tanka Prose.
THE OCEAN SIGHTING
Last December, as we reached our Hawaiian destination, Kauai, I glanced out the plane window to see the approaching shore. Right below the plane, there was a pod of humpback whales. It was one of those moments in life where all I could do was to be part of it, but I couldn’t record it to share. I spotted another whale that day as soon as we got to our room. There was a gray spume of water shooting up that I first thought—ghost ship. Looking again, I realized it was a whale blowing air through its blowhole. Although I kept looking; I didn’t see another whale until the very last day. I stood on our balcony to take one last look before we left and there it was, that burst of air exiting the whale. Then the whale breached and dove. I didn’t see it again. The whales had greeted me the first day and then said goodbye, until the next time.
above paradise
a pod of whales welcomes me
awakens my heart
soothing my discouraged soul
a magical moment heals
Lovely poem and terrific experience, Denise
Thanks, John 🙂 It was amazing seeing them from the sky.
I think experiencing something in nature is better than recording it anyway. Great poem!
Thanks, Priscilla 🙂 I think you are right about that and it seems to be a theme for me lately.
Truly a healing experience, Denise. And you expressed it beautifully in the poem.
It really was, Jan 🙂 Thank you, I won’t forget seeing those beautiful beings from above in the plane.
A lovely prose tanka, Denise.
Thank you, Robbie 🙂
So beautiful and magical, Denise 💕🙂
Thank you, Harmony 🙂 Magical is a good word for it.
I, too, have experienced watching whales. For me, it was off my balcony on a cruise ship in Alaska. They are so majestic! I love your Tanka prose, Denise. I’m happy you enjoyed that mindful moment. 🙂
I had the same experience on a cruise to Alaska. Then we did the tour and got to see them up close, mother and calf 🙂 They are majestic for sure and I was glad to have been in that mindful moment. xo
Oh, how I love whales! I have never seen one, Denise. You are so fortunate, especially with whales greeting you on arrival and then making another appearance on the day of your departure. I would definitely count that as a magical experience, which your wonderful poem reflects.
I love whales as much as I love dolphins 🙂 I’ve been lucky to see them , a few times in the ocean. This last time though can only be described as magical, you are so right. I hope you get to see a whale soon, Mae. If you come to the west coast at the right time you will see the humpbacks migrating for sure! Of course Hawaii is a nice place to do it too.
On my bucket list! 🙂
🙂
What a remarkable experience. And I loved the poem. Thanks for sharing, Denise.
It was, Staci, and one I won’t forget, even without my usual puctures. Thank you 🙂
As an old desert rat, whales are always exciting. I could watch them for hours.
They are exciting, Craig! Like you, I could watch for hours, and did!
Aww. What a healing moment. XoXo
Thank you, Selma. It sure was!
That is true, Denise. It would sooth your soul.
It was just what I needed Jacqui!
What an experience, and I’m thrilled you shared it with us, Denise. This is excellent. I felt your emotions every step of the way. And how cool, they said goodbye to you! <3
I kept saying before we left that all I want to see is the whales. I got my wish many times over. To see them from a plane…breath taking. To have them say good bye, well it sure restored some hope and faith. Thanks, Colleen@ xo
How beautiful, Denise. The universe grants our deepest desires. <3
It does, we just need to notice!
So true. 💜
It seems that the whale’s welcome and goodbye was an amazing experience for you Denise. How wonderful! Thanks for sharing a memorable moment through this lovely tanka.
It really was, Balroop, thank you. It was just what I needed and hoped for 🙂
I’ve still to see a whale, Denise. I can only imagine how magical the experience is- you’re blessed. <3
I spent a lot of time at the ocean and never saw one. When our kids were little were at the coast and our oldest daughter yelled look a whale. Sure enough there he was off in the distance. Only had two other experiences, this being one of them 🙂 It is pretty magical and I’m very grateful to have seen one. I hope one comes your way soon xo
One of those moments that won’t ever be forgotten. Beautiful poem👏👏
No, it won’t, Harlyn! Thank you 🙂
A lovely poem, Denise. And how exciting to see a pod of whales!
Thank you, Joan 🙂 It really was exciting!
Beautiful and soothing poem. I whale watched many years ago while visiting BC. It was magical!
Thank you, Elizabeth 🙂 There is something magical about them.
I can’t remember if I was in Kauai a week before you or a week after you, Denise. The whales were breaching and blowing and what a glorious sight. I’m so glad you got to enjoy them. And your tanka prose is glorious magical indeed. The awe is deep.
I can’t remember either, we were there the second week in December. It’s an amazing sight for sure! Glad we both got that magical experience. Very deep! Xo
We went in January, so a month apart, it seems. What a wonderful place to relax!
Beautiful image and the lines complete the essence
Such a privilege when nature puts a show on seemingly just for you… clearly a welcome and a farewell.. to the next time.. lovely tanka prose Denise. hugsx
It is a wonderful gift to be a part of, Sally! Something I won’t ever forget.
I can imagine Denise ♥
I’m so jealous, Denise! That must have been utterly amazing!
<3
David
It was amazing, David 🙂 I’m so happy I got to experience it. I hope you get to as well.
How wonderful Denise. A very special moment captured in prose and poetry. x
Thank you, Marje 🙂 I love we can capture these moments in poetry!
Yes indeed. My life is so busy at the moment Denise and I am missing writing poetry.