Saltwater Shadows – Tags: Atmospheric, Belonging, Caz C. Cole, Coastal Living, Loneliness, Reflections, Saltwater, The Sea

Poetry

The sea stays stunning in her silence

Must be so nice to live near the sea 
I bet you walk on the beach daily 
Bare feet touching the warming sand 
Avoid treading on treacherous seashells. 

You’ll love dipping your toes 
Into the salty sea, they said 
You’ll love the breeze 
blowing through your hair. 

They didn’t tell me 
The force of the wind 
Smashing me against the building 
My scarf escapes, flying high. 

They didn't mention 
The hordes of tourists 
Passing my apartment in droves 
From the station to the beach. 

A river of sun-scorched skin 
And colourful summer towels 
Laughter trickles through my window 
Enjoying traditional fish and chips 
As you do by the seaside — 
Uplifting to feel part of it.

But when they've gone 
When winter looms 
And everything closes 
Life can be lonely 

All social life extinct 
Sense of belonging gone 
Along with the last summer train 
Leaving an empty platform. 

Watching with a feeling of loss 
While the sea stays stunning in her silence 
As the storm thrashes against the concrete panes 
Hissing, harrowing, now everyday sounds. 

Living so close to the sea 
With a panoramic view to die for 
I should have been ecstatic 
So why did I never feel at home?

Perhaps it is life, perhaps it is me 
The sea no longer demanding 
I carry her fondly without longing 
No longer measuring myself by them 
Where I thought I could belong 
Here I am — where I am meant to be.

— Caz C. Cole

© 2026 Caz C. Cole