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.

[Umar Aziz]

I liked this poem a lot for its beauty of the night sea and the way the ships glowed with all their lights on at night and I hope things get normal soon with the new vaccine. The English sea is so beautiful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mister G. Yes, there is much beauty in the views of these cruisers, both by day and night, but they are strangers here. A constant reminder of the virus and how our lives have changed. I appreciate your review and your visit.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

I can vividly see see all the reflections on the dark waters but it is unfortunate that we must all sit apart and wait

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Dave, the beauty is there, but also a constant reminder that things are far from normal. Many thanks.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we are all biding our time...praying...

the second stanza is priceless...what a beautiful image...
skeleton crews...skeleton crowds, skeletons with empty hearts...

a haunting beauty to this write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Haunting, yes those ships by day and night are just that. A constant reminder that things are far from well.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A really well balanced poem and so well described as you set the scene of those vessels at anchor, drifting to who knows where. who knows when Chris. Lovely, rounded verse.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. All the years I have visited Torbay, I have never seen cruise liners anchored in the bay. A sign of the times. Very pretty to look at though.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

I really love the way you describe oceans and boats. There’s almost a feeling that even though you’re biding time there’s also a clock ticking, and it adds this almost dangerous feeling to the poem.

[Chris Shaw]

There is a feeling of the unknown about this situation. These cruise liners are here because of covid. I wonder how long they will remain in waters where they don't normally visit. Very pretty to look at though. Thank you Colacat. All the best.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

Yes, even in the chaos it is very pretty to look at. It was my pleasure to read such a lovely poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you.