Endless Ocean Dawn - By: Maria Elisa Paynor

The ocean stands before me, dark and still

If I stare long enough, the ink may transfer.

Millions of lines like the bark of a tree next to the morning sky

Two separate worlds, yet fit together.

I look up, a terrestrial gradient to see

How the paint blends from teal to cobalt blue

The death of night and the new life of day

Strangely soothes me.

I want to stay here

Lost and flowing with the calm waves.

I don’t care if I die, as its a golden feel,

That I can forget everything for once

And just be present with you dear.

Please give a detailed explanation about the meaning and main idea of this poem.

In my poem Endless Ocean Dawn, I wanted to express the feeling of being completely at peace—both because of the calmness of nature and the comfort of being with someone you love. The ocean at dawn represents a quiet, still moment where everything feels balanced and safe. Watching the colors change in the sky and feeling the soft waves gives the speaker a sense of freedom, like they can finally let go of stress and just exist. Being with someone they love in that moment makes it even more powerful—it’s not about doing anything big, just being present together. That peaceful connection makes the speaker feel like they could stay there forever, and nothing else matters.

Please explain your writing and thought process regarding this poem.

When I wrote Endless Ocean Dawn, I was thinking about those quiet moments when everything just feels still—especially when you're near the ocean or in nature. I wanted to capture that peaceful feeling that comes with watching the sunrise and how it can make you feel both small and safe at the same time. The ocean felt like a symbol of calm, but also depth and emotion. I tried to use visual imagery, like the changing colors in the sky and the texture of the water, to create a mood that was both peaceful and reflective. At the same time, I was thinking about love—not the loud or dramatic kind, but the kind where just being with someone in silence can feel perfect. Writing this poem was a way to express the comfort and escape that comes from nature and from being with someone who makes you feel at peace.

Why did you choose to write this poem?

I chose to write this poem to express the peaceful feeling of being with someone you love in a calm, natural setting. It was my way of capturing how moments like watching the ocean at dawn can make everything else fade away.