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

[Stella Armour]

Old Father Thames, making himself seen , but on a rather spectacular canvas ..

Something good in everything Chris..... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Stella. Yes, he has been misbehaving. Causing quite an upset. My sis and my grandson were both on high alert for property flooding. Thankfully they were ok. Others weren’t. Such a contrast between the raging river and the serenity of the flooded plains. Beautiful and scenic it was. Happy Wednesday to you.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

The Blackstone River near my apartment floods with the precipitation, and I stood to watch its churning waters the other day. Very thoughtful piece, and I do love the alliteration throughout. Very nicely done, Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for your thoughtful review. I appreciate your visit. All the best.

Chris

[Andrew John]

And sometimes a one-off occasion can be a lovely poem. (But I'm sure you'll write a good few more!) Nice one, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Andrew. The river this week crept right up to the garden gate of what used to be my parents home. Never been that flooded before. Quite a breathtaking sight. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All the best.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

What a great metaphor in the third stanza..."the manic moving water...as trouser belt gave way...."
This is such a reverie.
the personification...works so well.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear j. Glad I took photographs. That was the inspiration. Incredibly beautiful, yet so damaging for some.

Chris