The Vengeful Sea

Rotating blades of rescue bird

are heard above a storm-rent bay.

As darkness of the night is sliced,

a cone beams down of blazing light

to search the crested, gnashing waves.

Familiar sounds alert the town

and bulbs switch on as curtains twitch.

Soon people in their undressed state

relate their gossip, guess the fate

of someone or a ship's distress.

An hour passes, bird's still there.

It struggles in the spray-filled air

before it banks and flies away.

No news, the truth will have to wait.

Next day it does appear, poor wife,

the sea has claimed her husband's life.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

The sea cannot be controlled. Can be very dangerous. Your poetry, true and honest. I suicided boarded the big Winter Storms of California in 1992-1994. We feel very small with we dance with the sea. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote, the sea can be both mouse and monster. Thank you for your response.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

The very nature of shipping, and the environments in which the industry operates, make seafaring one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Your poetically poignant share highlights the dangers when the elements effect the conditions of our seas and the heartbreak(s) that may result. Great share my friend ... :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you PhilI. I appreciate your thoughtful response. Many thanks.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

The sea is not to be doubted it is a powerful being with no knowing when it can suddenly change currents and blow up a storm- I was washed away as a child and that is an experience I’ll never forget but I was lucky my dad jumped in and found me and a stranger my brother the currents were strong they took a chance- out there nothing is gaurenteed- emotional write 🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Kelly, thank you for sharing your own personal experience of just how dangerous the sea can be. You certainly had a narrow escape as a child. I appreciate your response.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... the seagulls know the secrets of the sea... their feelings are a beacon of light to those who live by the sea... there is a telepathy that transcends mortality. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat. I'm sure that your thinking is sound. Look at the behaviour of seagulls when the weather turns. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Onlyme]

This is like a movie score playing inside my mind's eye. I really can hear the waves lashing and the roar of the high winds. And the darkness covering the tragic tale that is being unfolded before the townsfolk. Heart racing, dramatic and fearful danger of the sea and town folk who live by it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dawn for your response. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

somber tale that takes me up with hope and down with the news ...love the "cone" gave me some light to see, hear and feel that stormy sea ... poor wife indeed :(
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Happens all the time round our coastline in bad weather. Sadly people get caught out. Thank you Mr E. All good wishes

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

no kidding ... you would think they would know better :(

[Jimmy Yetts]

A compelling portrayal that ends devastatingly.
Neptune has claimed yet another human offering.
It will not be the last.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. As soon as the weather turns, expect havoc at sea. Sadly people do not take heed of its power.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Considering there's about three times as much water to terrain on our planet, it has to be the most treacherous enemy.. and so many people suffer its tragic welcome. Your words are clearly, carefully put yet.. sad as hell. It's how it is when life is near the sea, the ocean.. one never knows until it's too late. Fine, fine writing, Chris, as always.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em. Yes the ocean can be a mouse one minute, a monster the next. We don't always remember that sadly. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Friend is part of the Weymouth crew, has such scary tales to tell. I'm a keen, was a very strong swimmer but still both respect and fear the sea.. You do realise that your words are subtly inspiring, don't you. Truly mean that. x (Bathroom turmoil - it's being updated.. Apart from that all's good, thank you!) xx

[Chris Shaw]

Good luck with the bathroom. Will be good when the work is completed. Thank you for your kind words Em xx

[emmajoy]

Deleted previous message, irrelevant considering your poem's theme.. forgive please. xv

[LazerRays]

Wow- the description builds suspension right till you get to the end and BAM you get hit with the blunt truth! The whole poem ties together and leaves you going, "oh. My. God."
this is what I like to see in poetry

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you Sarah. I appreciate your thoughtful response.

Chris

[Ana Papaya]

There are so many drownings every year and it's especially sad when you hear about rescue teams that try their best and someone is lost... So sad, tragic.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana for responding. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Lorry]

Thanks for writing this Chris, it will fit in nicely with the following rant I have been waiting most of my life to complain about. Rant begins.
Remember youth? Remember the AA (automobile association )
They had an ad on tv saying they were the fourth emergency services...i used to scream at the tv "no, its the coastguard...youre not even the fifth (mountain rescue) AAARRGJ, grownups!
Ah, that felt good :)

[Lorry]

Now to review :)
This is a great piece Chris, highlighting not only the dangers of the trawlermen and pleasure seeking crowd, but the guys that risk theirs to rescue those in trouble. A little recognition of all the emergency services is long overdue, especially as cuts spread them even thinner.

[Lorry]

So in summation, great job on a poignant write, and apologies my connections glitching and keeps sending before im done.

[Lorry]

The end :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. Pleased I could help you with your little rant. Yes we must never forget the coastguard services who put their lives at risk to save people from the wrath of the sea and its frequently challenging moods. We all should respect the power of the sea, far more than we do. Thank you for your visit.

Chris