Flood

this new year brings in
a swollen fat bellied Thames
unable to contain his over gorging
on plentiful winter rain
falling falling
relentless falling

he belched

his belly burst in a fit of pique
a stretch too far for fast flowing
manic moving water
as trouser belt gave way
spilling out on sandy park
and the fields of the flood plain

while river remained raging
seething and speeding downstream
flooded fields transformed
into a scene of wonderland
or should i say wonderlakes
where willow trees bathed
knee deep

so serene in mirror glass stillness
reflected cold blue sky
with a whisper of white cloud
as a multitude of majestic swans
glide by with geese in perfect
harmony

they have found their heaven
so have i as i stand nearby
watching as they swim towards
wooden fencing separating
the garden of mum and dad’s former
cardinal close home

what would they make of this
i thought
caught up in the reverie
of a one off occasion

Reviews

[Lorry]

Well what's good for the goose, apparently is just as good for the Swan too!
We moan about the rain but the birds, along with a few fish will be delighted at having more space to stretch their eh, swimmy and floaty bits.
Then of course you have the rebel of the avian world, who with childlike innocence on seeing the river, thinks "Woah! I am so gonna pay for this later, but right now I'm jumping in that puddle! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

The swans, geese and ducks were having a party. Not only that, they were all being kind to one another. All on the flood plain, safe from the torrents and treachery of the manic downstream rush. Thanks Lorry. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I am entertained by your clever metaphors...
It seems that there are so many changes in the Weather... as though Mozart is composing a number of Concertos that overflow with the sound of Cello's. Your Repertoire never ceases to amaze me as I wander through the days of Rebelion when Earth and Sky collide. softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. Pleased you appreciated my metaphors of old Father Thames. Yes, over indulged and it all spilled out. Such a contrast between the serene I wrote about and the ugly I didn’t. Sending love.

Chris 🌺

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful imagery. Superb work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

I am not scared your lovely flower has made everyhhing so beautiful way for me! Thank you 😍

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jessy.

Chris

[retreating ghost]

Positivity in negative situations can always be found only if one remembers to look for .It is a peaceful picture, you painted here .Thanks,Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely review retreating ghost. I also saw the negative side further downstream. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[keith]

so?
a flooding river is a him?
is the babbling brook a she?
just wondering
i can Invision swans and geese finding positive way amongst that which causes interuption(s)

a calmness in expression ... reach out to those needing dry towel!

[Chris Shaw]

Not all rivers Keith:)) This one though is known as Father Thames. I wrote about the serene, there was also the devastation. Many thanks for stopping by my friend. All the best to you.

Chris

[keith]

i did not know that
is it from way way way back?
it is an adventure seeing both extremes
daring at times
i'm like moth to flame ...

[keith]

i stand corrected!
the mississippi river is refered to as ...
OLD MAN RIVER
read morei stand corrected!
the mississippi river is refered to as ...
OLD MAN RIVER

[Chris Shaw]

Oh yes. The song. Old Man River :))

[willweb]

Having survived a flood once where I live, I understand this. I do enjoy how beautifully painted the scene is though the situation is anything from ideal unless of course you are a swan. Just goes to show, not all disasters are a disaster for all involved, to some it is a blessing. Nicely done Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Always two sides to a coin. A mile away there was plenty of ugly. Thank you will for your lovely review and continued support of my efforts. Happy weekend.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

I was thinking of deleting all my messages thNk you chris for deleting them.

[Chris Shaw]

Far too many Jessy. Have a nice day.