The sweetness of the sea
Kendall Merriam was born and raised in Rockland. He has a history degree from Gordon College and pursued graduate studies in military and maritime history at the University of Maine at Orono and Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Conn. He received grants to study historical research at Colonial Williamsburg and the National Archives in Washington, D.C.<
Kendall Merriam was born and raised in Rockland. He has a history degree from Gordon College and pursued graduate studies in military and maritime history at the University of Maine at Orono and Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Conn. He received grants to study historical research at Colonial Williamsburg and the National Archives in Washington, D.C.<
For Danny Merriam
Four lobsters, earthly green
just out of the waters
around Pond Island
in the Mussel Ridges
Dan taking up the last traps
of the season
as it cools up
he is kind with this fruit
giving some to friends, relatives
knowing how much we will enjoy
the unexpected, the sublime, the elegant
it stokes our bellies
putting Phyllis toward sleep, me to poetry
I think of the work, the danger
always the consideration of whales, sharks
to whom does God give the Ocean
it seems to be a case by case situation
supporting humans in the small towns
along the edges of the harbors, bays
do those who line up for rolls
at the lobster shacks
have any idea of the struggle
of lobstermen, women on the cold, windy days
no, they think of the romance of the ocean
not knowing touch of bait, claws
just the delight of the burning of the fuel
in our stomachs, giving rise to the words
of the Bard praising fishermen
bringing ashore the King’s honor
Kendall Merriam, Home, 12/15/2021, 7:56 p.m.
Listening to silence.
