Antarctica
The day we spent on the Gerlache Strait,
Wilson’s Storm Petrels teasing the waves.
Fur seals, Chinstraps, Weddells.
Icebergs the size of Belgium, reflecting
Eerie blue light through weather-streaked portholes.
Not a tree in sight, not a patch of grass
But oh, the teeming sea, inviting us
Imploring us, to see a world
Nine-tenths hidden beneath our view.
You, who are clothed in black and white.
Icy glaciers. Snowy-white Wandering Albatross.
Mottled rocks mimic sleek black seals.
The shadowy outline of a volcano in the distance,
Obscured by tufted clouds and frigid windblown spray.
Even your sea is gray with its endless, rippling crests,
Wrestling, jostling, teasing ships as if they were tiny toy boats
Unmoored.
And suddenly, you erupt with
Unexpected pinholes of color:
Pink krill stains, the orange beak of a Gentoo.
Blood spurting from a leopard seal devouring its prey.
Yellow mucous spit out on the beach.
Kelp. Green algae. Lichen on a rock.
The hour we spent in a tiny Zodiac,
Watching light shift on iridescent floes.
Meanwhile, the sun setting in red and pink.
A patch of blue sky.
Tomorrow, the promise of sun and glassy seas.
So Beautiful
🙂
Goosebumps and watery eyes….I was there! Thank you.
I hope I captured the experience for you, Linda. You would love Antarctica!
I am ready to go back…..Ohio is boring!
I totally agree!
Just
Fantastic
Wow….now I really want to go!
It was beyond words. You would love it.
Just perfect!
Beautiful, Elie! Thanks so much for capturing OUR experience.
Very evocative. Like very much.
WOW! I want to hear more!
You captured the essence of the place and I felt as if I were bobbling up and down on a boat and experiencing it myself. Stunning! Thanks, Elie
Thanks Evelyn! Sure hope you didn’t get seasick :-).
Loved the form and feel of the post. Careful choices of words and phrases,
Johanna
Thanks Johanna! Great memories.
what a wordsmith you are! Loved the piece on Antarctica. thanks! colleen
Glad you liked the piece. I had a blast today. Can’t wait to see the photos!