By Sea

By Sea

Fickle futures, separated by sea

blocked by barricades; frustrated by sea.

Bunked helpers glisten under crescent moons,

raining over veils, created by sea

we star-gazed the Southern Cross, dulling dreams

of unity, we hurt hated by sea

Sliced earthly fissures, healed by honeyed hope

that I’ll return, dictated by sea.

Across bounded lines, sparkled tears steal nights

of loose luck kisses, we mated by sea.

Though wardens destroy lives, we won’t be broke

by their hardened shells … cut slated by sea.

Waves lap wildly, no sand grain picked twice.

Oh dear, my love, we lay awaited by sea.

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This is a poem inspired by my separation from my partner who’s in Melbourne, while I’m in the US. The Australian borders have been closed to students and partners, which is cruel. Melbourne is my home. This Ghazal fits its themes: it is part love poem and part loss of time shared with my partner, as well as missing my home. I made each line 10 syllables, except for the last line, which is slightly longer with 11 because I wanted it to seem like it echoes at the end.

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If you enjoyed this poem, be sure to check out some of my other poetry!