Leafy Sea Dragon

(fascinating creature to watch either in nature programmes, or in an aquarium)

In dreamy waltz of spiral turns

sedately drifting, floating free,

clad in a cloak of camouflage

this creature sails through salty seas.

Joined to its frame are lobes of skin

profuse protrusions all on show,

so fragile in their flimsy form,

like seaweed stirring to and fro.

Pectoral fins upon the neck

propel and steer an idle way,

entangling those who venture close

or in its pathway gently stray.

It has you fooled when you first look

appearing as a fine green lace,

on close inspection you can see

this life form has a tiny face.

In awe at such complexity

could such a thing be down to chance?

Is there a grand design at work,

or just a random cosmic dance?   

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A fish tank. Grandchildren can stare at for a long time. Fish have own life in their tank. I did like your description. You made me want to watch. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote. Fascinating to watch. They are so graceful.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[Ken Simm.]

This so intrigued me when I first saw it. I've seen these incredible creatures and I too marvelled at them. A lovely piece Annette.

[Chris Shaw]

They are fascinating creatures aren't they Ken? As soon as I saw them I fell in love with their graceful movement. Thank you for reading.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Once again you teach me dear Chris. Have never heard of this creature but looked it up and oh how wondrous it is- like your amazing poem. Beautiful flow and rhythm of eloquent words- like the sea dragon’s dance itself. Great rhyme and superb imagery. I think the creature’s little face is smiling at your insprational poem. Divine plan I think.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette, so pleased you looked this little creature up. I became mesmerised by its graceful movements. Thank you for your lovely review. Hope you are feeling better now.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are so welcome Chris. It seems like a fairy creature to me- and your poem is mesmerizing! Thank you for your good wishes. My arm is much, much better. Very grateful. Xo

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to hear your arm is much better Annette :)

Chris

[Gee]

Hi Christine, had to google. That's got to be the ultimate in camouflage, and your words perfectly describe these amazing looking creatures.
Hope you are having a good Sunday

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Gee. Pleased you googled. I'm having a restful Sunday. Hope you are too.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

great description....wish i would have had one of these in my aquariums...i did have a sea horse for awhile...i loved raising tropical fish...and could sit and watch them for hours...you brought me back to those angels and neons...i always had...thank you for that, Chris.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

We have an aquarium Jacob, lots of neons. No angels now, we did have them at one time. You are right about sitting and watching, it is relaxing and peaceful. We have a new kitten, she's eight weeks old. She thinks the same! How fascinating that you had a sea horse. The leafy sea dragons I have written about were in a commercial aquarium. Many thanks for sharing.

Chris

[Ardra]

Never heard of them before...I just googled them....they are wonderful and your poem captures it beautifully..... :))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ardra, they are wonderful little creatures. Pleased you googled.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

We are all part of a Cosmic dance in fine green lace in a Dragon’s Lair... Lovely poetry, Chris .. as ever, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat for your lovely response.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

Your description of leafy sea dragon is fascinating, C. I have never seen one before. How big are they? You have penned a beautiful tribute to this aquatic animal with perfectly rhyming composition.

[Chris Shaw]

They are really tiny M. Google and you will find out more about these beautiful creatures which look like seaweed. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

It's entirely my pleasure.

[Ana Papaya]

Fun read. :)
I just googled it! What a wonderful little creature!

[Chris Shaw]

Amazing aren't they Ana. Thank you for checking this one out.

Chris

[Ana Papaya]

yes, quite amazing. :)

[Onlyme]

Oh, Chris, this was superb read, the pleasure i fish tank can give with so many different creatures held inside. The peace, calm and tranquillity of just wanting them at play, feeding time and rest.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dawn. Pleased you enjoyed.

Chris