Without Mercy

Without Mercy

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

(South Devon's coastline in June)

"
The bountiful sea at Babbacombe
showed no mercy yesterday
when her anger turned treacherous.
Young men on holiday ventured out
did not respect her strength,
misunderstood her malice.

As waves smashed against rocks
a favourite spot where Dad and I
would sit and take tea,
the whirly bird was heard,
searching, searching.

This morning's white horses
tell me she is in no mood for apologies.
One man dead, two seriously ill,
when swollen sea and windy conditions
threw swimmers heading for shore
on to waiting sharps.

From a cottage balcony
in the tiered terraced hillside heights,
I look down on Brixham town's
inner harbour, where boats
bob gently in relative shelter,
but beyond the breakwater across the bay
today's breakers spell danger.
A killer is still at loose.

© 2019 Chris Shaw


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Love this one, Chris. You challenge the sea's cruelty with your insightful treatment. You create a merciful tone of understanding, rising above the roiling undercurrents of tragedy, danger, and sense of loss. Even so, you capture the beauty and excitement of living by the sea. I would have enjoyed joining you and your dad for teatime in your favourite spot. I do so admire a woman of culture and talent. Well done. -- Doug

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Thank you Doug for your visit and considering this poem. Always good to see you on my page with your.. read more
stormy seas as dark as coal,
Preventing the sailors from reaching their goal.
Battered and bruised, but still they fight...
Staring ahead, into the dead of night.
Rocking and rolling as they try to stand...
Hoping against hope, that they soon reach land.

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Hey that is dead cool :)
A poetical response. I like that. Thank you. I always take that as a.. read more
A salutory tale of salty seas in session. The power of the waves and the tragedy told in descriptive verse with an empathetic tone.

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Many thanks John. Yes, never lose sight of the treachery of the ocean

Chris
Respect the sea. Always. The imagery you use, "this morning's white horses," is striking! I can almost envision the whitecaps running wild and free, like wild horses.

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Thank you Mary. I appreciate your thoughtful review.

Chris
I rode the Winter storms with a suicide board. I saw waves hitting deep in-land when the Pacific was pissed-off. Here in Michigan. Lake Superior had took many large ships and the sea can be deadly and cold hearten. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Thank you Coyote. Yes, the sea is deadly, has fickle moods. Thank you for sharing your experiences.<.. read more
Coyote Poetry

4 Years Ago

You are welcome dear Chris.
While the ocean is beautiful and I enjoy watching her and even sailing on her, I never lose sight of the fact she can be a dangerous villain. "White horses" great way to describe the rising tide that swirls during a storm. How sad that lives were lost and the helicopter had to search. You told the tale so perfectly....I could picture the scene. Lydi**

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Dear Lydi**, your thoughts are very much appreciated here. Treacherous few days on the coastline in .. read more
There are times when the sea knows no compassion for humans or ships. This is a compelling read, Chris.

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Hello Tim, what a few days on this stretch of coastline. You expect it in winter but not in the summ.. read more
this is amazing

i think you could take this and make it into a story


or at least some form of prose


-L.S

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Thank you LitStar. Your visit most welcome.

Chris
in America particularly the state of Michigan a song was made for the ss Edmund fitzgerald wriiten and performed by Gordon lightfoot it carried iron ore and sank in a gale in 1975 all crew of 29 perished he considers this song his finest work in a bleak time. THE GREAT LAKES ARE HUGE and not to be trifled with during bad weather thank you for writing this maybe someone will consider and heed the warnings

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Dear Kent, thank you for sharing with me. Gordon Lightfoot known to me for jazz. Yes, we must respec.. read more
Wonderful write. The sea is an unpredictable place to wander into,we never know what awaits us there.

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Dear Weeping willow, thank you so much for your thoughts. Very much appreciated. All good wishes.read more

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Added on June 28, 2019
Last Updated on June 28, 2019

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

Writing
Spoken Spoken

A Poem by Chris Shaw



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