Tide Pools

by Victoria Emmons

Night is young
Much to find
As we seek the
Tide that hides

Tasty morsels
Deep within
Its bosom
Cloaked inside

Forks at ready
Aim is sure
Eyes too sharp
Light demure

Camouflage
Protects them all
Nature’s way
Avoid the fall

Stab them quick
They lay still
Flounder now
Upon the grill

Tide Pool Worlds

by Julaina Kleist-Corwin

Waves flow over life
Clinging color shapes wave back
Safe from drying death.

Tidepools

by Ronnie Holland

Stars and flowers of the sea,
Bouquet of color, seaweed foliage,
Lichen-painted rocks.
Luminous with life,
Refreshed by waves
Regenerating starfish arms by reaching out,
While sea anemones sting others for more territory.

Ocean Treasures

by Camille DeFer Thompson

From ocean’s deepest,
Treasures yet unseen surface,
Dance in pools of light.

Tidepools

by Jordan Bernal

Starfish and coral
Sway with the ocean’s tidepools
Music for my eyes

Eco System

by Diane Lovitt

Here many life forms
Become a whole living world.
Each supports others.

Visual Arts Argue

by Linda Todd

The Winterfest celebration is almost underway. Vice President Patricia and Programs Director Tara rush to hang the two quilts Tidepools and O Christmas Tree on stands behind a table as members begin milling around the conference room.

“Hey, Tidepools. Remember me from quilt circle?” O Christmas Tree said.

“Yes, how could I forget? How are you?” said Tidepools.

“Finished, as you can see. Looks like we’re both entered in the Winterfest celebration. I heard there were twenty-five visual art entries.”

“I know and I can’t wait to see how many writers I inspired.”

“I’m sure I inspired more writers than you.” O Christmas Tree flipped up one of his lower corners to show off his green, gold, and blue colors. “Everyone knows abstract art is more inspiring than scenes from the sea.”

“What are you talking about? Have you never heard of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea?”

“Who hasn’t? But I represent the biggest holiday of the year. Did you know that stores stock their shelves sometimes six months in advance of Christmas Day?”

Tara poses the arms and legs of Yo Pumpkin, a fabric gourd, in the center of the table.

“What are you guys yammering about?” said Yo Pumpkin flapping his arms into a more comfortable position. “I’m going to garner the most writings. Who could resist my bowling ball body and lanky arms and legs? With my orange, gold, and yellow colors, I can dress up any sofa or chair for fall. Did you take a good look at my cute face?”

“We’re all made of fabric, so of course one of us will have the most writings,” said Tidepools showing off her starfish and sea palms panel. “Our seamstresses spent hours upon hours drawing our patterns, choosing the right material, and stitching us up.”

“You’re right, Tidepools,” said O Christmas Tree. “Our creators did spend a lot of time making us. But I will be rewarded with the most writing pieces.”

Patricia and Tara arrange the two framed photographs Somewhere Out There and The Sunroom on the table.

“Wait just a minute,” said Somewhere Out There. “What writer could resist my starbursts of light and tree branches reaching toward the sky? I’m sure I inspired all the science fiction and fantasy writers out there. You watch. I’ll have the most writings.”

“Stop squabbling over there,” said The Sunroom. “It doesn’t matter how many writings we inspired. The purpose of art is to tell a story and evoke an emotion. I heard at least fifty people made a reservation for the meeting today. That’s one hundred eyeballs looking at us. All of us. I don’t know about you all, but I’m honored just to have been chosen for display.”

“I agree with The Sunroom,” said Tidepools. “Winterfest is a celebration of the members and all their creative endeavors, not just their writings. Remember, humans are busy creatures.

Some of the members may have wanted to write something, but didn’t have the time.”

“Look over there,” Yo Pumpkin said as he stretched out one of his floppy arms and pointed toward the opposite corner of the room. “They’re setting out the snacks. Smell that popcorn? Wish I could have some.”

“Quiet,” said O Christmas Tree. “President Jordan is at the podium. The meeting will start soon. Then we’ll find out I am the winner.”

“O Christmas Tree, didn’t you listen? We’re all winners,” said Tidepools.

< The Sunroom