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!

[Neville]

Few do nature as well as you & this poem, has your cygneture running write through it :)

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for both your words and a smile. I hope this new day brings you contentment and happiness Neville.

Chris

[Lorry]

Well, at least I now know that to avoid gulls screeching, all I have to do is velcro two swans to my ears.
No wonder they glide so effortlessly through the water, after such a sound sleep 😊
BTW, I almost misread your comment of them being happy in salt or freshwater, as salt or vinegar 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Lorry, salt and vinegar eh? My least favourite flavoured crisps. Not keen on the vinegar. So tart and sour on the tongue :) Many thanjs for stopping by even if the seagulls were a bit noisy for you :))

Chris

[Lorry]

I know, especially if you have a paper cut from living envelopes (used to work in an office) The worst were pickled onion monster munch, invented by some sadist with a fetish for causing ultimate mouth pain by making them non edible by vinegar and the texture that was like trying to chew a black and decker sander, while it was still running! Double yuck! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Ha yes, she says. Monster munch, some of them are sheer punishment. Why do we attempt it?