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This poem is part of the challenge:

08/24 Beach Day

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Beached!

On that morning, long ago,
for a treat, we packed the car
with towels, soft drinks in a cooler.
A few beach toys; kite and balls.
Daddy and I went to the shore where
We took off our socks and shoes.
it made my toes very happy,
so giddy, they danced...
I chased waves in the cool surf.
We fed sea gulls dotting the shore.
Happily, I played burying Daddy in sand.
Working up a grand appetite.
We bought foot-longs from a vendor.
Daddy thought I'd had too much sun...
He put my shoes and socks back on me
preparing to go home for the end of day.
I dug-in wanting to stay.
Damp white sand covering
the rounded toes of my
red mary jane's, Daddy
gives a side look and wink
I return his silent comment with
a giggle and smirk...
Just a day at the beach
with my best beau!

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?

Review Request Intensity: I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: Northwestern Wisconsin USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Edgar Allan Poe, William Blake, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Carlos Castaneda, Jim Morrison, the whole of Neopoet and many more.

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Comments

neopoet

neopoet

10 months 2 weeks ago

Neopoet AI (premium) - 5-29-23 version

The below is a computer-generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

The poem "Beached!" successfully captures a nostalgic and playful day at the beach. The vivid imagery and detailed descriptions effectively transport the reader to the scene. However, there are a few areas that could be improved.

Firstly, the use of punctuation and capitalization is inconsistent. For instance, in the line "We took off our socks and shoes," the first word is capitalized, but in the following line, "it made my toes very happy," it is not. Maintaining consistent capitalization and punctuation throughout the poem will enhance its readability and flow.

Secondly, the poem could benefit from more varied and complex language. While the simple language contributes to the childlike perspective, incorporating more sophisticated vocabulary or poetic devices might add depth and richness to the narrative.

Lastly, while the narrative is clear, the emotional arc could be developed further. The poem could delve deeper into the speaker's feelings about the day, their relationship with their father, and their reluctance to leave the beach. This would add emotional depth and complexity to the poem, making it more engaging and relatable to the reader.

Overall, the poem effectively evokes a specific time and place, but could benefit from more consistent punctuation, more varied language, and a deeper exploration of the speaker's emotions.

Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact

Geezer

Geezer

10 months 2 weeks ago

Nice day...

the narrative is well worth the read. [burying]. My fav. lines?
"We took off our socks and shoes,
it made my toes very happy."
~ Geez.
.

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

10 months 2 weeks ago

Thanks Geez,

this is a day my rickety memory still retains. my Dad and I often took a Sunday to run away from the squabbles at home. We took turns choosing the spot, lol.

*hugs, Cat

Lavender

Lavender

10 months 2 weeks ago

Beached!

Hello, Cat,
This is joyful! All the senses come alive when reading. I felt the appreciation for the warm memory.
Thank you!
L

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

10 months 2 weeks ago

hello Lavender,

it was one of the best days of my life! thank you for reading and responding.

*hugs, Cat

Rula

Rula

10 months 2 weeks ago

Dear Cat

Seems that much joy took place that very special day.
Nothing is more worthy than treasuring happy moments. I'm really thankful that you could transfer the joy so easily though words to reach us.
Much appreciate it and best wishes.

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

10 months 2 weeks ago

Dear Rula,

I am so glad that this poem touched you and you could share in my joy! thank you!

*hugs, Cat

Leslie

Leslie

10 months 2 weeks ago

Cat

I agree with all of the above comments, great job!

Unca Fez

Unca Fez

10 months 2 weeks ago

Beached!

I always marvel at how childhood memories seem to be either the best or the worst. The really good ones, I think, do not suffer from all the worries that adults let intrude into the moments that they should just enjoy. As for the worst ones, I believe that those memories are flavored with the shock that something that bad could happen. Our inexperience has not been tempered with the depravity that people can do.

In any case, this particular memory coincides with one of mine from the summer of 1957 when my mother, sister, and I went to Florida to be with my father, who was working there installing a paper machine. We had rented a house just across the road from the beach. I remember the sand dollars and the sand crabs and the sand castles. Kids are made for the beach.

Candlewitch

Candlewitch

10 months 2 weeks ago

Dear Steven,

thanks for sharing that with me...you can bet that I will have questions about your summer on the beach. I love to be told stories, as you know!

* Your, Cat