Roberta Writes – Esther Chilton’s writing challenge: Beach #poetry

Uncategorized 1 Minute

My mom has been very sick. I admitted her into hospital for a fractured rib and bronchi-pneumonia yesterday. She is on an intravenous antibiotic and is doing better this morning. It seems a bit relentless with sickness and ill health in my family lately, but onwards and upwards.

This poem is for Esther Chilton’s prompt ‘beach’. It’s a bit of a cheat but I really liked this idea. You can read other contributions here: https://estherchilton.co.uk/2025/02/26/writing-prompts-54/

On the false beach

Sloth like

The Sand River

Meanders sluggishly

Streams and rivulets trickling

Through mounds

Picture caption: Sand River photograph taken from Inyati Game Lodge in Sabi Sand

***

False beach

Animals sleep

Contentedly in sun

Dreamily digesting last night’s

Success

Picture caption: Male lion asleep in the sand

***

Long night

Mama’s worn out

But not tiny girl cubs

Who play fight and practice stalking

Life skills

Picture caption: Mama and female lion cubs lying in the sand

***

Still cool

Cubs full of life

Mama’s tail a great toy

Tearing around to exhaustion

Great fun

Picture caption: Female cubs playing in the sand

***

Heat rises

Little one flops

Spread eagle on her back

Sister follows good example

Nap time

Picture caption: Female cub asleep in the sand

***

Sloth like

Animals sleep

But not tiny girl cubs

Tearing around to exhaustion

Nap time

Picture caption: Two female cubs playing in the sand

Unknown's avatar

Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

Published

107 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Esther Chilton’s writing challenge: Beach #poetry”

  4. What a beautiful presentation. I sometimes forget the photos you share are from your actual life, as their vision is so far from my own. But when you add details of your mother’s illness to the narration, the reality is all to palpable. May she be returned to health soon.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  12. So sorry to hear about your mum… constant health issues are so hard to deal with, sending healing vibes ….l

    Lovely poems and pics, I always think of mothers and their children with lions and cubs….. take care 💞

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  16. A beach is a beach, and the little cubs are so adorable, how could anyone mind? I agree with Violet about what you see and how far removed that is from my life. But a seriously ill mother is something I’ve dealt with, and I know that reality.

    I am so sorry that your mom is in such bad health. I hope she heals quickly. Sending you hugs from across the ocean, Robbie.💙

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

      1. Dear Robbie,

        You are very welcome. Happy March to you!

        Whatever springtime may bring or usher in, may you (and indeed all of us) experience plenty of joy with the classic rendering of this very fine song, sung by Mandy Patinkin for the musical “South Pacific”:

        May all of us feel “Younger Than Springtime” throughout the remaining of the new season!

        Looking after your mother aside, may you find the rest of March and the forthcoming April very much to your liking and highly conducive to your writing, reading, thinking and blogging whatever topics that take your intellectual fancy and creative whim!

        Yours sincerely,
        SoundEagle🦅

        Like

        Reply

  31. I’m so sorry to hear that your mom is not well, Robbie. I hope she is able to rest and heal soon. I love you lion pictures, they are wonderful and your poem perfectly describes them all. Remember to take time for yourself while helping everyone else, so you don’t join them.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Thomas, lions do not scare me. Hippos and elephants scare me a lot. Lions … they sleep all the time during the day and will never attack a vehicle. I’m sorry about your MIL. This aging thing is for the birds.

      Like

      Reply

  34. Oh Robbie! I am so very sorry to hear about your mum but pleased she is somewhat better..I adore these images and your poem is perfect for the images..South Africa has so much wonderful wildlife you are lucky to be able to experience it…Take care Hugs xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Thats good to hear, Robbie..your mum sounds like me I wouldn’t spend a day longer than I had to in hospital however at our age we should listen fingers crossed your mother doesn’t relapse xx

        Like

        Reply

Leave a comment