Original Poems About the Ocean
These original poems about the ocean began on the beaches of North Carolina, musing over the great natural wonders that are anchored to the sea. I’ve expanded the list visiting Charleston, SC and snorkeling in Vieques. I may be a mountain lover at heart, but anytime spent oceanside is not enough, and I’m always sure that’s where I’ll settle down when visiting. Truly a magical place.
As I visit more beaches and coasts, I’ll update this list with more ocean poetry (I’m always writing), so please check back often.
And let me know your favorite poem in the comments at the bottom!
You may also want to check out: Sunset Poems, Hiking Poems, Mountain Poems
1.
The closer to the sea
you build your house, you see
the farther from anxiety
I promise you’ll be
2.
Little beach towns
fall asleep to ocean hums
they layer their worries by the sea
and in the mornings they pick
sweet purple plums
3.
The trees turn black
and the sun dips into the sea
it’s not for want or lack
I cry when I think of Thee
4.
The sea and pines
came together
and the wind
joined their dance
and I
I laid there
smiling
5.
The ostentatious ocean
her waves and gulls declare
how perfectly we understand beauty
upon her crests we only stare
Like most people, I often find myself staring at the ocean in awe. Perhaps, the waves and gulls tell us with their song, to perfectly understand beauty is to find reverence–awe–in its manifestations. Should we try to save it, bottle it up and take it home? I think not. Stare. Stare and be satiated!
6.
A congregation of palm trees
knocking their wooden knees
perfectly awestruck
at the ocean’s deep mysteries
7.
What are we
beneath sky and tree
astride the sea
to think that
to the mysteries of life
we rightfully have the key?
8.
We tend to flatter the sea
because she gives us so many
salty gifts for free
9.
The ocean’s ears
are wind and current
listening to our anxieties
and carrying them far away
somewhere they’ll be forgotten
10.
Low stone walls
in coastal Carolina towns
palms and powerlines
with their evening sun crowns
11.
The ocean declares
with his mighty breath & blow
that winter is coming home
chattering teeth in stow
12.
Reflexive awe
struck dumb by the sea’s beauty
the blacks and purples and blues
the evening sky righteously moody
13.
White sand curves around the bay
and like the sea I’m smiling
salt water in my ears and nose
reasons to spend all night
in a tiki bar
for me the sun
is compiling
The evening view from Esperanza Beach in Vieques, a tropical paradise just a short flight or ferry from Puerto Rico.
14.
Tourists marvel and snap
old men and bartenders
laugh at the sea
but you and I
front row seats
gladly hermits
we’ll always be
15.
Turquoise water
lapping at white sand
the birds and breeze and sea
Creation’s sun-soaked band
16.
I don’t feel like I’m on vacation
I feel like I’m right at home
Vieques never felt foreign
two seas sitting beside me
I’m not alone
Did you have a favorite of these poems about beaches and the ocean? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!
