Standing in front of the sea,
she smiles with moon-kissed lips.
I immerse myself,
deeper and deeper still.
Explore her nautilus curves.
Ebb and flow within her wake,
then lie still
as darkness gives way to light
and dawn awakens me.
I lie stilled on deserted beach.
Low tide surrounds me,
as if the ocean bared its soul.
Oh rapturous sleep, I question thee.
Was she real, this goddess of the night?
Or was she but a siren
escaped from far-off craggy coast?
Tears flow from my eyes
staring up at blushing sky.
Spent am I,
splayed out on moist and rippled sand.
And then my fingers feel . . . what?
Something smooth and cool to touch.
A nautilus.
I stare at it in wonder.
Then slowly, lowered to my lips,
my mouth upon its curved edge
I whisper hoarsely,
I shall return tonight, my love.
You are my destiny.
Written for dVerse, the virtual pub for poets, where it’s Tuesday poetics and we are asked to explore erotica in poetry. I like to think of this as romantic rather than erotic. Simply my choice of words. Photo taken last year in Provincetown during a full moon.
lillian the home poet 
Oh this was very much a romantic story… I feel it’s also a bit mythical, I’m thinking of the lure of sea-creatures, selkies and mermaids, but that lure is more erotic than truly romantic
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Wow, this is very sensual and just really a descriptive scene in each word and line. Both erotic and romantic, the perfect combo. Beautifully written!
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Such a beautiful encounter or dream. Nevertheless,it is sensual and the ending, tugging the heart.
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Beautiful writing. Your use of imagery is right on the money. Charming, romantic, with a hint of eroticism. Nicely done!
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This is absolutely exquisite, Lillian! 😀 “nautilus curves,” is such a strong image! Love it! Thank you so much for adding your voice to the prompt. ❤️
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This was wonderfully romantic and sensual – for me, this is more erotic
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Deliciously and tastefully erotic, Lillian. Bravo
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Wow, Lill, you pulled out all the stops with this poem! It’s amazing the effect a walk by the sea can have. I love the ‘moon-kissed lips’, ‘nautilus curves’ and the ‘ebb and flow within her wake’. I also like the way you describe the morning after, with the surrounding low tide ‘as if the ocean bared its soul’.
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This is magical!
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I love the curved shape of the shell and the feeling of enchantment in your poem, Lillian.
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Sensual, romantic, and ethereal. I am entranced by your words.
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I love the sensuality of this Lillian. It is beautiful and wondrous and I loved it ☺️
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Very nice Lillian. The mystery runs throughout the poem.
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I love the way this is told from the perspective of the helpless, enchanted lover, the dual meaning and the use of the nautilus to tie it all together – both romantic and erotic, an excellent response to the prompt!
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The right balance of romance and and sensuality…. beautiful.
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This is sweetly sensual Lillian, well written. I like the mythological essence… 🙂
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Exquisite.
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I am so pleased to have found this prompt and your beautiful poem.
Aaaah sigh! Happy thoughts ❤
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So good Lillian, love the nautilus imagery – (reminds me of Marianne Moore’s poem – ‘The Paper Nautilus’ ) – and just a delicious verse.
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Romantic, dreamy, and spacious, loved reading this.
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I love this, felt like I was there ❤️❤️
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