The Poetry Well is a monthly column that showcases island poetry. This month includes a poem by

Tom Pruiksma.

SEASIDE

Rough weather as the year turns

white wave upon wave each

wave waving more into view

churning against churning against

air against water against wind

winding up winding through

and yet

beyond gray and gun metal blue

above and beyond like me

and like you the light of the sun

still shines out of view

as still

as the sea below you below me

bearing gifts in the dark always new

Island author, poet, teacher and magician Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma first moved to Vashon in 2002 to work part-time at Hogsback Farm and “to read and write the rest of the time in an old cabin overlooking a ravine of firs and ferns.” Both before and since then, he also has lived and worked in Tamil Nadu, India, and Oaxaca, Mexico.

Pruiksma’s recent books include “The First Leaves” and “Body and Earth: Notes from a Conversation,” which he wrote with the south Indian artist C. F. John.

Currently, Pruiksma is writing about his experiences living in a Tamil village, translating a third century book of Tamil poetry and wisdom, and coauthoring a second book with C. F. John titled “Body and Spirit: Reflections on Āndāl and St. Francis.” He also tutors privately on the island, teaches at StudentLink and is known around the region for his performances — including one evening a week at May Kitchen + Bar — that include an unusual combination of poetry and magic.

Pruiksma said the greatest magic and poetry in his life is living with his sweet beloved and friend, David Mielke.