Ocean Mediations

From Waymarks for the Celtic Pilgrim; and Ocean’s Song.

First Meditation

Antipodean Courtship

(A Fable)

Unimpeded ocean flows,

tempestuous winds, water, ice

encircles the realm of southern isles -

volcanoes who defy ocean’s writhe.

~

Here, two albatross wander,

feed, breed, dance together.

Courtship’s unshattered dance binds

together till death, lovers forever.

~

But comes a day, a notorious act shatters;

a longline maelstrom snares her plumes;

his soul seared, her life broken-

an empty vestment beneath the waves.

~

The sun’s fingers massage his back,

warms his skull, sinewed flesh, and breath.

His soul confined by grief’s spell

where dark spaces close light’s door.

~

On the edge between external vestment

and internal truth, there is only grief-

a piercing blade, a desolate moment,

where dignity of his seared soul dissolves.

~

Desolation drives his soul to flee,

life’s love stolen by human ways.

On huge broad wings he glides,

wanders wayward o’er Antipodes.

~

Alone on the wind, undisturbed

above crashing elusive waves,

over horizon’s edge, the albatross

turns to face what’s in his mortal midst.

~

Dawn’s rays enter, darkness’ edge flees,

And his Creator nudges within.

Gently through desolation’s storm,

a courtship dance with Christ is born.

Second Mediation

Ocean's Isolation

The line of wake disappears,

as I watch an Albatross change its course

I sway with the motion of inner seas,

listening to the cry of the wind,

enthralled riding the running waves.

No earthly foundations here

the unseen abyss below.

As ocean’s spray bathes my eyes

I sense no coming storms, no rogue waves,

Yet dissonance stirs from Spiorad Naomh.

In ocean’s isolation I set my sails,

wandering thoughts deflect heart and soul,

till a resounding sense of awesome light,

the fingers of God, strikes my eyes:

dissonance upwells like a rogue wave!

Spiorad Naomh speaks,

“The Albatross heard! Why not you?

Wisdom is mine, listen close!

No longer braid rope with sand,

voyage by the wisdom of Crìost!”

Notes on Language

Scots Gaelic:

Crìost: Messiah

Spiorad Naomh: Holy Spiirit

© 2025 Craig A. Roberts

https://www.amazon.com/Waymarks-Celtic-Pilgrim-Journey-Meditations-ebook/dp/B0D9DV9QDM