I crafted this sentimental poem with great care, one of my very early efforts. The message could also be applied to human love, whose response brings us 'back to life.'

SEA POWER

Twinkling ripples and patterns of foam through the rockpools,
Rush and lull as the wavelets advance and retreat,
With stately calm the ocean restores its dominion,
The steady surge, and the coolness caressing spent heat.

Deeper and deeper sways the triumphant water,
Confident swell and fall like a beating heart.
Weed, laid listless, lifts its arms to the movement.
At one with this kingdom, each living thing plays its part.

Life that was clamped and clenched in hidden protection,
The hard world of rocks and pebbles, grit and sand,
Now opens and feeds and flaunts itself under the water,
Drifting landscapes, feathery gardens, open-fanned.

As the seashore welcomes the returning tide,
Serenely advancing to drench the drying beach,
Our spirit welcomes the pervasive presence of God,
Aware, in prayer, of everywhere his love will reach.

Dry and dreary and desiccated, hearts that were lifeless,
When love returns, thrive and thrill and unfold.
Drab greys and browns and drying greens
Grow real again, silver and pink and emerald and gold.

But what of storm and power and towering anger
That rips the weed from the rocks, scatters boulders in rage?
Is that the work of love, or must we ignore it:
No place for destruction, on so sentimental a page?

Yeah, even the havoc has purpose, that shatters our equilibrium;
Gouges out silted-up channels; throws obstacles free;
Growling and grinding to break down the hard and the obstinate.
Gritty, sharp shingle? Sand, soft as silk, time shall see.

Boulders lie shattered and scattered, reveal secret treasure,
Undreamt-of riches of marble or gold.
Smashed fragments release hidden histories, fossil mysteries,
New understanding, to handle and hold.

A landscape transformed, new growth and new vigour;
New depths fill with beauty, frilling fronds, scuttling life.
Swirls through the rockpools the dance of the water,
Kiss of the working waves, peace after strife.