This sonnet acknowledges a young mans life lost at just 17 while climbing rocks on Granite Island.
Watery death calls forth from oceans deep
mighty rising waves rolling toward shore
they crash with anger upon granite sweep
sending white breakers high saluting Neptune’s war.
Youth courage opposed power of nature’s thrust
slipping down to the rocks with phone held high
laughing into the wind with invincible trust
captured last moments as gull cautions cry.
But water clutches his ankles as fingers of cold
pulling him closer to edges held between life and death
another wave hit and toward him it rolled
calling pulling taking his breath.
Waves dragging him under he tries to grab hold
Gone then forever for whom the bell tolled.
Janine Hartley 