Larian Skies

The 'Larian' area refers to Lake Como in the Lecco province of Italy.

Larian Skies

Under blackened skies

June brings rolling bellicose thunder

and torrents of driving rain.

Deluge after deluge

swept along on gusting gales,

drench our adopted glacial mountains.

Under leaden, racing clouds

the wind sweeps through

natures clefts and crevices

to subjugate the lifeblood

of Como and its inhabitants.

A few tourists chance the storm

and rush, under hotel umbrellas,

along the waterfront,

while most visitors take refuge

where they may.

Ferries continue to ply their trade,

through a blanket of grey spray and mist,

sparse of paying passengers,

whilst the bars and restaurants

make do with their captive diners.

As the storm subsides and passes

to the East, the deepest body of water

in Europe becomes mottled with vegetation

and rich sediments washed

through gullies and pine forest

and pastures,

down gushing, tumultuous waterfalls

out of the high, sub-alpine peaks.

The normally calm surface

of the lagoon is ruffled into a swell

more akin to the Cornish coast in

a force ten on the Beaufort Scale .

White horses ride thrashing waves

as sail boats at anchor are buffeted

like corks in a flood drain.

We break out our cagoules

and brave the elements,

for we know it will pass

and the Italian sun will return.

We watch in wonder

the lustrous, verdant landscape

and fall madly for its romance.

 

29/07/17

 

Author's Note

Photo taken from Castello Di Vizio, near Varenna, Lecco, Italy, July 2017.

Reviews

[DIVYA]

Nature is so formidable sometimes! Its drama plays out in full intensity as this richly vivid and informative poem progesses. Thank you for such a fine read, John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Nature is indeed formidable and awe inspiring dear Divya. This is a beautiful place. Many thank yous.

[DIVYA]

You are welcome John.

[Coyote Poetry]

Amazing use of words and description. You create visions and wonders with your words. Thank you John for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so very much Coyote

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome John.

[wordman]

it was almost like being there john,a vivid write
most people dream of a vacation like this

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Ron. It was a wonderful vacation/holiday.

[Rachel]

This was so beautiful! It was a place that came to life in the poem. I really enjoyed every line and I loved the description of this place in a creative way.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you very much Rachel. It is a delightful place. I see you are new?

[Rachel]

I am new! I actually just got started yesterday night.

[emmajoy]

This is absolutely wonderful! Your dramatic descriptions et al are so real, so true. I've stood on a hotel balcony and looked across at Bellagio and watched a storm gather power as it absorbed
thate village into its core. Seen lightning streak and shiver across the sky above it!

Brilliant writing, truly. Many thanks for such keen reminders.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I am grateful that my humble words strike a chord with my Lady. Many thank yous Emma.

[emmajoy]

Love, love that area! Thank you, truly had tears in my eyes reading that. Two days later similar: but all the lights went off in Bellagio.. and that was the day we'd chosen to go across for a wine tasting where. the cellar was lit by candles, We slid sloshed to find a coffee - of course, no power, went to view an art exhibition, no power! Crazy fun within the drama.. Said too much but your drama unfolded how it can be - lyrically, powerfully. Gone.

' .. we know it will pass.. and the Italian sun will.. return... We watch in wonder .. the lustrous, verdant landscape.. and fall madly for its.. romance.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed we do as sweet as the wind.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Immaginazioni eccezionali e scrittura poetica astuta ..
Strong, fast flowing and well constructively penned!
Well done ...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks POO!

[Fanicia E.]

The poem has such amazing imagery, and the calculated detail in each of your poems never ceases to amaze me.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Fanicia, you are most kind.

[Fanicia E.]

You're welcome!

[duff]

You're on a roll John. I'm really enjoying your work man. You have an incredible imagination and you seem to be able to convey exactly what you want. Stunning imagery as usual.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much duff. I cannot wait to return there.

[duff]

You're welcome my man and I bet. I would be quite anxious myself. It looks stunning.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you make a storm sound good...wow....i wouldn't mind being caught in this poem.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

it was something to behold; And Como is so beautiful. Many thanks Jacob.