The Breakers Motel
paradise lost
The name is, perhaps, misleading,
suggesting more pleasant scenes
than the gritty panorama one sees
when passing through Ocean View.
*
At one time it had been
family friendly, a nice place
where decent citizens came
to spend a weekend, splashing in the surf.
*
A smattering of motels remain,
grim shells of their former selves,
interspersed among the 7-Elevens,
liquor stores and pawn shops.
*
This one is my favorite
and I’ve lived in a few.
It’s as much a refuge
as a place of business.
*
Hookers don’t bring their tricks home
and the dealers hawk their wares
somewhere else, not right here,
though neighbors sometimes rate a favor.
*
The water still laps at the shore
mere yards away, behind us,
but you’d be crazy to swim in it,
or cross that no-man’s-land that was once a beach.
*
Street View would be a better name.
That’s where the real focus is
these days. The sidewalk displaced the boardwalk.
Carnival atmosphere morphed into freak show.
*
I sit outside in my lawn chair
if it’s not too hot, from the weather or the cops,
checking the action on the boulevard,
thinking how strange things look
*
cast in the glow of the neon sign,
flickering like a homing beacon
for the wayward soul,
offering the only hope available in these parts.
*
Vacancy.
About the Creator
Randy Baker
Poet, author, essayist.
My Vocal "Top Stories":
* The Breakers Motel * 7 * Holding On * Til Death Do Us Part * The Fisherman
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Keep reading
More stories from Randy Baker and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (19)
Wonderful 🌹
What a vivid picture you have painted here!
Great job!😊
Wow! Best!
This was great
Nice poem. Randy. It reminded me of so many places no longer here in my hometown after recently moving back to be closer to family. Surprisingly the Drive-in from 25 years ago survived. Thanks for sharing!
Painted such the scene in so few words. Also loved how gently yet powerfully you closed the piece. "vacancy" Love it! great work!!
Your compelling and skillfully written story kept me eagerly anticipating the next developments, skillfully blending emotions and suspense for a truly captivating experience. I'd appreciate it if you could also take a moment to read my work!
Bravo! Your hard work is paying off—keep it up, congratulations!
Congrats on top story!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This brings to mind many of the oceanside motels in Humboldt County. Sad, but true story. Well done and congratulations!
Very sad but very true of the wy things have become in many places. Beautifully crafted 🤍
This is wonderful. Congrats on the TS.
So vivid, it feels real! Well done on your T.S. very much deserved 😁
Congratulations on your first top story Randy! ❤️🎉
Motels have certainly gone downhill
So descriptive. Felt like I was there.
"Carnival atmosphere morphed into freak show." Oooo, I really loved that line! Fantastic poem!