Without Mercy

(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.

Reviews

[Chris]

A true view of existence... life has teeth and requires respect and thoughtfulness. A most real description, an image-full view.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Chris for reading and leaving your thoughts here. Most appreciated.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

"Young men" don't accept their own mortality and often wave off Mother Nature's clear warnings.. at their own peril. Such a vivid though sad scene, Chris. I can see this storm and the rescue as if I'm watching from a light tower or cliff-side balcony. Always a pleasure to read your work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Robert. You are so right about young men. They so easily put themselves in danger because they don't accept their own mortality. I appreciate your thoughts. Always welcome.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

nature, the sea, can be so deadly and yet we just ignore the warning signs and sail on...not caring in the slightest, thinking we are indestructible...until we are.
you capture the savage beast in its Mr. Hyde moments...a Dr. Jekyll otherwise.
nicely done, Chris.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Yes the sea certainly has a Jekyll and Hyde character. Needs to be respected. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

I love your description of the torment of the angry sea. Your contrasting it to to sanctity of the inner harbor. I appreciate your reminder that still, despite the peaceful harbor, the storm rages on.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for your lovely response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Edie Blue Starfish]

we are often reminded of how treacherous she can be, and yet every summer we here of so many who underestimated her

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Edie. Year on year, more of the same. Seems we will never understand the fickle ways of nature. She needs the utmost respect. All good wishes and thanks.

Chris

[gram linski]

Nice piece of poetry and health and safety, lol, the sea can be a dangerous lover and an engaging friend, beware the waves, got a tattoo or two in Brixham, on the sea front no less

[Chris Shaw]

A tattoo or two in Brixham :) There certainly are many sporting them in these parts. Pleased you did your bit to support the economy here. That elf and safety left over from my working days. Thank you gram.

Chris

[gram linski]

xoxo, I got a washing machine, lol,