Biding Time

(The English Riviera)

tang of salt settles on lips
thirsty for ocean's ambience

delayed in this bay, cruise ships
lit like crystal chandeliers afloat

six beauties sachay on pitch water
tiers flash gold in dusk dark night

glazed window glass in luxury cabins
ablaze with brightest of gleams

anchored securely within depths
gripped tight to deep sea bed

turning by degrees on chained steel
outside the gentle arms of the harbour

out where the waves swell deepest
passengerless, a skeleton crew serves

waiting, waiting for a vaccine
biding time in silent solidarity

Reviews

[AJNJ]

In a few, choice verses, you introduce the reader to the stunning beauty of the English Riviera at night, so rich in beauty and light. And yet, far out in the sea, ships wait solemnly, with few on board, hoping for a vaccine. This is so poignant. There's a sadness beyond the glitter. So much loss, so many livelihoods gone because of this killer pandemic. I felt the pain and the uncertainty....my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you AJ. These cruise ships are strangers here. It is only because of the vurys that they are anchored in the bay. They are incredibly beautiful by day or night, but they are a constant reminder that all is far from well. We have no idea when those cruisers will sail again.

Chris

[AJNJ]

With second wave around Europe, there might be a much longer wait for them. This is a real test of the tenacity of the human spirit. Hoping everyday for good news.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. Apologies for my typos above. Small phone, that's my excuse.

[AJNJ]

Aww thats absolutely fine Ms. Chris 😊 I could place it.

[barleygirl]

I have never had the urge to do a cruise, but since we do get the occasional cruise ship in the Monterey Bay, it's truly astounding to see one up close. Your poem captures the mind-boggling enormity & ornate styling we typically expect in a cruise ship. The twist at the end is nicely ironic & not just becuz of covid times, but even before, it seemed cruise ships were regularly detained due to some rampant sickness. Whereas a cruise ship may start as a highbrow extravagance, in your poem, it ends up seeming like floating quarantine! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Margie. Cruise ships are strangers to this bay in the south west. There are now eight anchored there because of the virus. Beautifully lit up at night like a Christmas tree, but such a reminder of what we are all having to endure at present. Many thank yous for leaving your thoughtful review. All the best from over the waters.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Those poor souls left on the ship; yes that's what happened to many ships at the start of Covid; hundreds were stranded; not a happy scene. I love how you describe the ship's glitter and the smell and taste of salt. Nice wire Chris, and very relevant. Best, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty. These cruise liners are strangers to this bay. Anchored there for the duration of the virus. A constant reminder of how our lives have changed. Take care and look after yourself.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

We have the same thing in South Florida! so many empty giant ships just sitting...

[Chris Shaw]

Such a pity Betty.

[Dave]

This is very dramatic, waiting, waiting. When, will it ever come? For some strange reason, I'm reminded of Poe's, believe the title is "The Mask of the Red Death". I could be wrong. In it, a group of people are invited to a castle in the woods, supposedly away from the plague ravishing their country. On the night of the masked ball, death reveals himself to them.
Take care and please be safe - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for sharing the thoughts my lines generated. Always good to see you visit my page. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

It's always a pleasure to read what you write. Keep yourself safe.= Dave

[Robert Trakofler]

Wow they are like ghost of a simpler time what a haunting and beautiful set of lines and a brisk reminder of what can and will be again dear Chris! I used to look at all of the parks closed signs with the entrances tapped up and just sigh and the empty school yards now and think of all the homebound children what strange days we are living in but it will end

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Bunny, I hope you are right. When I left Torbay today, there were seven cruise liners anchored near the coastline. A sure sign that covid has put paid at the moment to cruises. Cruise liners are strangers to that bay normally. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Lovely portrayal of the sea-faring and time-bearing.
Whether by vaccine, therapeutics, herd immunity or drastic lessening of the COVID virus,
humans will, eventually, whisk this problem into history's rather full dustbin.
Again, an amazing description!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy for this wonderful review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[danielle.]

Although the ships are a reality they could easily be a metaphor for the state of ‘waiting’ that so many of us are living in currently.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you ellemorell. I do like your thoughts here. All good wishes.

Chris

[iliOZ]

balance, tranquility...nice to find them among the waves..though not through glazed window glass in luxury cabins, though i wonder what is the name of the six beauties

[Chris Shaw]

Ha! I can't see the luxury, I can only surmise it, so in a way I still have some balance :) They are all Dutch cruisers and I do know that all their names end in dam, but I can not see their full names from where I am staying. Thank you for your visit and your review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

This is one that strikes a chord with me, Chris. Since last March when my hubby and I got off a cruise, we have had 5 cruises canceled. The ships are calling us, but we can not go. Hopefully soon things will change and the cruises will sail once again. I miss the sound of waves hitting the ship and seeing the white foam on the water. What a great write this is, Chris. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi**. The cruisers anchored in the bay are strangers here. They are beautiful to look at both night and day, but is a sad reminder of how much damage has been inflicted by this virus. Hope you don't have to wait too long before you go on another cruise.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

We are all like Ships 🚢 ships anchored in the Bay.. our windows to the world shine like teardrops on dreams of Ocean voyages...
not knowing when we can set sail our fears.
We are all in this Life Boat ⛵️ together as we tether our hopes for a brighter tomorrow.
tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, I am loving your response. We are indeed all ships at sea. The virus has done that to us and we have no idea how long it will take for things to change. Perhaps they won't and what we have now will become the new normal. The views of the cruise ships offer a haunting beauty. Take care dear Pat. Fondly abd with many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

The new normal... living in the edge of tomorrow... if only our prayers for a Cure will be answered in the “Hour Glass” of time Eternal... Amen x

[Chris Shaw]

Bless you Pat, take great care x