A Sanibel Memory Tiny broken shards of shell Strewn across the ground like Broken glass Summer’s breath hot and strong Blows across the beach Making it hard to stand Your blue bucket tips Shells scatter, blown farther than Your little legs can carry you No tears, just laughter, as you Struggle to stay standing in Soft shifting sands Sanibel stays full of shells As we leave for the day Happily worn from our treasure collection. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2021
This poem is based on a memory of going to Sanibel Island in Florida when my oldest son, now 27, was two or three years old. When we visited, Sanibel was a wide beach with shells scattered over much of the sand. The wind whipped across the beach on that day and others, making it difficult to walk. It is a fond memory. I’ve been wondering why I don’t write about the beach more often. It is one of my favorite places.
Poetry Friday is hosted this week by Jone Rush MacCulloch at her blog. Thank you for hosting Jone! Please visit Jone’s page for more poetry inspiration and opportunities to participate in a warm and welcoming community.
The Apples in My Orchard 
Beautiful memory–and brings me back to around the same time, collecting tiny shards of broken shell, when our two were young.
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Thanks, Buffy! I know that Sanibel is a special place for many. I apologize about my delayed response!
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Such a strong memory!
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Yes!
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A memory full of sensory images. The windy day image comes through.
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Thank you, Margaret. I apologize for the late response.
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Lovely, Carol, & you’ve brought me back, too. My family has spent many years on Sanibel & Captive. We missed it a lot when we couldn’t go last year! Happy Holidays to you!
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Thanks, Linda! I know Sanibel is a special place as is Captiva. Did your family visit The Bubble Room restaurant there? I am glad you enjoyed the post. Sorry for the late reply!
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Yes, The Bubble Room, and another favorite was The Mucky Duck. We seemed to have hit them all!
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Our boys were little when we went there but I’d love to go back and hit some of the more popular places. We did like the Bubble Room. I’ve always wanted to go to The Green Flash!
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Love these sandy-filled memories in your poem Carol, you brought me right there, in between all the shells–beautiful images too, thanks!
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Thanks for stopping by Michelle!
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