2019 First-Place Winner Diana Poulos-Lutz

SEA GLASS

by Diana Poulos-Lutz

I found sea glass

at the shore,

washed up on the sand

with broken shells,

still wet,

sparkling and shining

green, brown,

and blue.

I picked up a piece

and ran my fingers softly

over the flat surface

and firmly

over the edges.

The glass did not

cut or hurt,

as it had been tumbled

and tossed in ocean waters

for some years—

how many I’m not sure.

I picked up some more

pieces and decided to walk

in the water

and on the sand

for miles and days and years.

I want the sand to do

the same to me.

I asked the ocean

to smooth my jaded mind,

so that I won’t

hurt,

as readily,

as broken

glass that has never met the sea.

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Diana Poulos-Lutz started her journey of mindfulness and meditation as she began long walks along the beaches of Long Island, NY throughout the seasons. As a photographer, and an admirer of the natural world, she began writing poetry to express those moments of reflection and spiritual connection.

Diana has a B.A., M.A. in Political Science from Long Island University as well as an MPhil, Master of Philosophy in Politics, from the New School for Social Research. She has taught Political Science courses for several years at Long Island University. Some of her areas of interest are women's rights, civil rights, democratic theory, and civic engagement. Diana is an active citizen and currently works at a public high school. 

Diana’s poems have recently been featured on literary and media sites such as New Verse News and Pantsuit Nation. She has performed as a featured poet at various venues on Long Island and she is the winner of the 2019 Nassau County Poet Laureate Society poetry contest. Diana's poetry is inspired by her deep connection to the natural world, along with her desire to promote equality, peace, mindfulness, and empowerment. You can find more of her poetry as well as her nature photography at: https://www.facebook.com/dpouloslutz