On First Hearing Debussy's 'La Mer' 
by Josh LaMar


I stand with new resolve just as Monet 
Paints his impressionist soul on canvas: 
Water lilies pirouette on the pond 
While I, awestruck, listen to your brushstrokes. 
First brisk breeze of Autumn overtakes me 
As your waves echo through the depths of my 
Mind, striking with its sheer magnificence; 
Its force, stronger than Newton's 'Gravity'. 
And I count it a privilege to take 
Part in the wond'rous craft of composition. 
My mainsail is out, the wind is sturdy, 
Steadily jibing to your ebb and flow. 
Droplets of spray gently wetting my hair, 
I, the clipper ship, on the sea: La Mer!