Unruffled

swans apparently are happy in either salt or freshwater

autumnal sunlight finds
five mute swans sleeping soundly
on an inner harbour slipway
where salty sea water creeps
closer by the minute leaving
cobbled stones wet

long necks stretch as
heads and beaks hide within
their feathered white plumped up
soft on touch pillowed plumage
comfortable and by all accounts
completely soundproof

oblivious to any movement
or screams from screeching seagulls
overhead while their brown coated
young wait grounded and greedy
yet keeping a safe distance from
those in deep sleep

Reviews

[DIVYA]

Reading the poem, I couldn't help thinking how trusting those swans are to be asleep so soundly out there with screeching seagulls overhead, the sea in constant upheaval and perhaps a noisy harbour.
Their sleep is sound and undisturbed regardles of their surroundings.
I wish I slept unruffled like that always....
As always, you take your reader with you to the scene, I fill myself with the beauty of those moments I glimpse through your words.

[Chris Shaw]

Like you DIVYA I am envious of the swans who have the ability to sleep through the din of their surroundings. Such beautiful creatures, full of grace. Thank you for your encouraging review. 🌺

[DIVYA]

it's my pleasure. dear Chris!

[Ciara]

Beautiful, graceful creatures.
Nice writing Chris, great imagery.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ciara. I do agree, they are beautiful creatures. Full of grace. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Soren]

A painting of serenity casts a feeling of peace and calm. A beautiful way to start the morning. Loved it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you.

Chris

[red93]

Shades of WB Yeats' 'The Wild Swans At Coole' Chris. Beautiful birds certainly but very aloof. Birds have their own logic and intelligence I believe that humans can only guess at. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony. Such beautiful creatures, so elegant and graceful. I love to watch them. Happy Sunday my friend. All the best.

Chris

[Gee]

You paint a picture as vivid as a photo m'dear.
Never knew swans would put up with brine, everyday a school day.
Another lovely poem :))

[Chris Shaw]

I too was surprised to see them in saltwater. They were drinking the rain water that had settled in little boats though. Smart, as well as beautiful. Thanks Gee.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

What a gloriously subdued painting of gentle sleeping swans - took me right to the water's edge.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Winston, I so appreciate your encouragement. Big thank yous for your thoughts and your visit.read moreDear Winston, I so appreciate your encouragement. Big thank yous for your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

Another beautifully described scene, Chris, with well rendered imagery and effective expression. Swans can be aggressive, evidently, but I always find them to be full of beauty and grace. They are very photogenic. A lovely poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Robert. Yes they can get aggressive if they have their young with them. Best not to get too close. They are incredibly graceful creatures and I do love observing them.

Chris

[Relic]

They are such graceful animals and soothing to watch for me. I've often looked at them online just to relax.

Nice one, Chris. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. You are so right. They are relaxing to look at as they glide gracefully along. I love to observe them.

Chris

[willweb]

I just love swans and your poem paints an enchanting picture for me, all the way down to the young ones. Lifelong partners together on the water's surface, beautiful creatures., wonderful poem. Thank you for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous willweb for your visit. Yes they are beautiful creatures for sure. Love to watch them.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

they are just beautiful creatures and this expression truly shows their beauty.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I love them so much J. Whether on the river or by the sea they are so majestic. They also remember people, much in the same way an elephant doesn't forget. Yes, they thank you when you feed them. I thank you too, for your thoughts.

Chris