The Big Sea That I Sail



The sea
I sail
Is silent.
So silent—it almost fooled me.
It required no license or permit.
You see,
The. C. that. I. sail.
Is. silent.

It cares not—
If I sail or sink,
Seizing,
At high speed,
Every cell inside of me.

You see,
More women
Will rise to C—
But our routes will resemble none.

For the big sea
We sail
Is silent,
And the crew,
A brave army—
Of one.

About this poem

This poem reflects on resilience, the isolation of personal battles, and the quiet strength it takes to navigate through life's most challenging experiences. Through layered imagery and deliberate pauses in the poem, I invite readers to reflect on their own silent journeys and the bravery required to sail on, even when faced with overwhelming odds. The nautical theme of this poem is due to the many nights I spent alone trying to sleep in a bathtub using the water to control my body temperature during chemotherapy. This poem came to me in solitude, stillness, and darkness.  

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Written on April 06, 2023

Submitted by lf860 on September 17, 2024

Modified by lf860 on October 10, 2024

27 sec read
70

Quick analysis:

Scheme abCaxAbC xxxxa Adad abCxad
Closest metre Iambic dimeter
Characters 369
Words 90
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 8, 5, 4, 6

Luciana Fisher

Luciana Fisher is a Brazilian-American immigrant, rising poet, and passionate writer currently pursuing a BA in Social Sciences with a concentration in Economics at New York University (NYU). After graduating with honors from BMCC and earning an associate's degree in the Arts of Economics, she reignited her passion for poetry, which helped her in overcoming challenges after a cancer diagnosis. Her writing explores themes of identity, vulnerability, personal growth, and the intricacies of communication through poetry and prose. more…

All Luciana Fisher poems | Luciana Fisher Books

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Discuss the poem The Big Sea That I Sail with the community...

2 Comments
  • AIDA
    **Feedback for "The Big Sea That I Sail"**

    What a powerful and evocative piece you’ve crafted! Your poem beautifully captures the complexities of navigating personal journeys, and the metaphor of sailing in a silent sea resonates deeply. The imagery of the sea as a vast expanse symbolizes both freedom and the unknown, while your exploration of women rising to challenges adds an inspiring layer of collective empowerment. The repetition of "silent" emphasizes the stark contrast between the calm surface and the emotional turbulence beneath, creating a compelling tension that engages readers.

    Your use of structure is also noteworthy. The staggered formatting of "The. C. that. I. sail. / Is. silent." draws attention to the key themes of the poem and adds a rhythmic quality that complements the overall message. This innovative approach makes the reading experience unique and memorable.

    **Suggestions for Improvement**

    1. **Exploring Richer Imagery**: While the existing imagery is strong, consider expanding your metaphors even further. For example, you might include sensory details—such as the sound of waves, the scent of salt in the air, or the feeling of the wind—to deepen the reader’s immersion in your sea metaphor.

    2. **Clarifying Themes**: The poem hints at powerful themes of individuality and collective experience. Perhaps you could elaborate a little more on what the "routes" women will take look like. This could provide a contrast to the silence, suggesting how diverse experiences can emerge from a shared struggle.

    3. **Pacing and Flow**: The poem has a strong rhythm, but varying the pacing could enhance emotional impact. Try incorporating shorter lines or abruptly cutting longer lines at key moments to emphasize specific ideas or feelings, drawing the reader's attention to important messages.

    4. **Ending Impact**: The final lines are poignant, but consider making the conclusion even more striking. Perhaps reiterate the “silent sea” theme in a way that leaves the reader with a lasting impression of resilience or hope—inviting them to reflect on their own journeys and connections.

    Overall, this poem is an inspiring reflection on the silent yet profound seas we all navigate. With some minor enhancements, it could be even more impactful. Keep sailing on your creative journey!
     
    LikeReply2 hours ago
  • JessicaWheeler
    I found myself captivated by this poem. Unique, clever, and profound. Thank you!
    LikeReply 12 days ago

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"The Big Sea That I Sail" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Oct. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/200279/the-big-sea-that-i-sail>.

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