Read the poem ‘Tuesday Afternoon’ by Brian Davin

This week’s poem, by Brian Davin, takes us along as the speaker is pulled to the edge of the low tide, into the mysteries of sand and sea. I love how this poem immerses us in the almost hypnotic draw of the ocean’s reach, then wakes us from it in mild amazement.

Brian Davin grew up in New Jersey and has lived and worked in various places across Europe and New England. Since 2011, he has lived in Portland, cooking and running a restaurant together with his wife. In his free time, he enjoys taking walks along the coast.

“Tuesday Afternoon”

Sketching the ocean
In charcoal tones,
Thinking: I have to leave

Something behind,
When—

The low tide pulls me
To the water’s edge,
Across the sand
I’m standing,
Deciphering ancient episodes

I start meandering,
Scavenging…

Scuttling back
Over sharp cut rocks,
My pocket full of sea glass
And the song I’m singing
Certainly out of tune

How did I get so far out
On this Tuesday afternoon?

– Brian Davin

Megan Grumbling is a poet and writer who lives in Portland. DEEP WATER: Maine Poems is produced in collaboration with the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. “Tuesday Afternoon,” ©2026 by Brian Davin, appears by permission of the author.

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