Ocean by me (3 of 10)

This poem has a special place in my heart because it’s something I wrote as I walked on a beach and reflected on my relationship with a mentor in my life. I wrote this on the beach in January 2016 only a few days after visiting Jerry Gibson. He died 2 years later, almost to the date, in January 2018. I recently made a few revisions to better capture what I didn’t have words for years ago.

Ocean

I've known you for a while. 

I was young 

when we met.

It was you

I wanted to know. 

I sought you out,

or so I thought. 

Time passed. 

You taught me much. 

My foundation 

in many ways. 

I knew you'd be there,

and you were 

for so many. 

Laughter and joy,

fear and unknown.

Your sound is soothing 

centering and honest.

There are no favorites 

There is no favor

Just raw

Just real 

You provide

And you take away.

I give thanks for you 

You are in my memory 

Always. 

And this time I will miss you.  

RIP Gerald "Jerry" Gibson