deepundergroundpoetry.com
Strangers in a Strange Land
(Father’s Day - 2021)
To nine-year old me and to future old me
Or whatever time I’m allowed on this earth
To the dreamers of chances and opportunities
To their dreams and whatever they’re worth…
On Father’s Day we went on a getaway to the beach
To enjoy the cool weather down in Malibu
Though the day was overcast the grey wouldn’t last
But the ocean bestowed a serene and scenic view
For a while I listened and watched the crashing waves
Then getting my feet wet in the cold and foamy sprays
Walking around, lost in thought but being thankful
For everything life has given me and all that I embrace
But it was in the last few minutes of this little outing
When a group of young friends happened to walk-by
That’s when I heard an old familiar speech and dialect
The mother tongue that was always quick and spry
My sister and I smiled gleefully at each other
It isn’t everyday we run into folks from the old country
They seemed young and naïve but I still couldn’t believe
How sentimental they looked as they watched the sea
Their were faces were distant, quiet and resistant
Observing a friend as he walked in the cool foam
Their faint suppressions with nostalgic expressions
Lost in thought as if they were remembering home
And I know they were thinking of all their loved ones
God only knows what and who they left behind
Strangers in a strange land down by the ocean sand
Feeling the ocean breeze ease their worried minds
As I drove back, I thought about their homesick faces
Coming to the land of opportunity here up north
Fellow countrymen who risk their lives by God’s graces
Paying the price for whatever their dreams are worth
To nine-year old me and to future old me
Or whatever time I’m allowed on this earth
To the dreamers of chances and opportunities
To their dreams and whatever they’re worth…
On Father’s Day we went on a getaway to the beach
To enjoy the cool weather down in Malibu
Though the day was overcast the grey wouldn’t last
But the ocean bestowed a serene and scenic view
For a while I listened and watched the crashing waves
Then getting my feet wet in the cold and foamy sprays
Walking around, lost in thought but being thankful
For everything life has given me and all that I embrace
But it was in the last few minutes of this little outing
When a group of young friends happened to walk-by
That’s when I heard an old familiar speech and dialect
The mother tongue that was always quick and spry
My sister and I smiled gleefully at each other
It isn’t everyday we run into folks from the old country
They seemed young and naïve but I still couldn’t believe
How sentimental they looked as they watched the sea
Their were faces were distant, quiet and resistant
Observing a friend as he walked in the cool foam
Their faint suppressions with nostalgic expressions
Lost in thought as if they were remembering home
And I know they were thinking of all their loved ones
God only knows what and who they left behind
Strangers in a strange land down by the ocean sand
Feeling the ocean breeze ease their worried minds
As I drove back, I thought about their homesick faces
Coming to the land of opportunity here up north
Fellow countrymen who risk their lives by God’s graces
Paying the price for whatever their dreams are worth
Published 21st Jun 2021
Author's Note
Takes one to know one.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 2
reading list entries 1
comments 6
reads 447
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
21st Jun 2021 9:47pm
The entire piece was fantastic. Emotionally, it painted a very vivid picture. Technically, it was a smooth read.
I love a good bit of nostalgia from time to time. It always produces very special memories.
Beautifully done.
I love a good bit of nostalgia from time to time. It always produces very special memories.
Beautifully done.
22nd Jul 2021 1:27am
Thank you Eerie.
As I get older and think about my own, I can't help but think of what these young people are going through and what the future may hold for them. Moments like those, building memories that may otherwise be forgotten with such a busy life.
As I get older and think about my own, I can't help but think of what these young people are going through and what the future may hold for them. Moments like those, building memories that may otherwise be forgotten with such a busy life.
8th Jul 2021 5:45am
This is a beautiful scene, it seems like every outing becomes a tracing of our own steps somehow, observing people, especially at the timeless seashore. Very nice :)
22nd Jul 2021 1:28am
Thank you PR.
Yes, especially because I related to them, the language but what got me most was the look in their faces. I always like to observe people when I can, I've always found it interesting.
Yes, especially because I related to them, the language but what got me most was the look in their faces. I always like to observe people when I can, I've always found it interesting.
22nd Jul 2021 6:12am
I love candid moments too, especially ones that no camera caught but only a patient observers memory did and then the description was better than a photo :)
30th Jul 2021 00:23am
It's always nice to look back and read about those moments and re-create a mental picture.
