Driftwood Days
The sea has examined me into this shape
I have come so far only because of what is left
How can I not accept it gratefully how can you not
if the entire sea can do it I would say give it a try
I do not have the power to observe you into love
but something of us both has been examined
Wave by wave into a lean slightness no vessel
because it goes all directions at once having come so far
with its hollows and whorls soothing to the waves
no difference between inside and outside
It no longer matters what is missing it never did it turns
out it was always this floating thing and never that
Translations from the English 
This is really beautiful
Thanks, M. You get to a certain age, and all sorts of questions begin popping up. I was thinking about all those questions (not the answers, heck no) when I noticed this small piece of driftwood on my desk. And it went from there.
Really nice, Jeff. And once again, wonderful closing lines.
Thanks Len. You like the closing lines and Emily likes the opening couplet. Now I just need someone to embrace the middle!
And I am grateful that this poem is what it always was. Thanks, Jeff.
Just like that driftwood, if I wrote this poem tomorrow instead of last night it might be different. BTW, I translate your comment also to mean that you absolutely love the middle section of this poem (see reply to Leonard’s note above). Now I feel complete.
You always were complete, but — as usual — your translation is impeccable.
Wonderful. Took me a while to venture beyond the first two arresting lines.
As long as you are not late for coffee, take all the time you want.
Ha! Will be there, with the Ancients in tow 😉
Lovely. I’m so happy to have discovered your work. Your poetry is beautiful.
Thanks, and welcome!
“it turns / out it was always this floating thing and never that”
Nice lines
Thanks Dana.
Really beautiful! Just love this.
Much appreciated.
Thank you for your excellent poem. Here’s for you:
SEA
Sea snakes the coast
tide backslides
slithers away
always with a long, last hiss.
Sea kisses the shore
foam embraces
races away
always with a backward glance.
Tide rushes
into rock pools
images flooding dreams.
Waves retreat
rasping
like a tiger
purring.
© M.L.Emmett
You are so good with bringing the inanimate to life. Makes feel like I’m there witnessing the entire process of become that piece of driftwood.. Or the core of who I am becoming.
Thanks! You’re all over it.