THE GALES

Nature, Islands

Hazy sun

struggles through a thin haze of high gray clouds

treeless islands

relentless wind whips through tall grasses

they sway like a drunkard's dance

winter darkness lingers

in the North Atlantic latitude

gust's force slaps the rain sideways

batters all things in its path

Undulating green hills

fresh water lakes, ancient monoliths

salt smell of the sea sweeps the islands

rugged people tend their vegetable plots

and plant stubby trees

which challenge the fierce gales

summer's sun intrudes cumulus clouds

begets luminous colors on the rocky coast

flowers sprout, birds engage, fish skip

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we forget to admire, acknowledge and regard how important our trees are...we clear forest lands for more urban renewal...and yet we get rid of those who shield us during rain, wind etc.
those who give us cooling shadows in the heat filled days.
I like the part of the poem in which the trees are planted...
there is hope.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re correct, except on these islands there were never trees, because of the wind, so the locals attempt to plant stubby trees on their land so they won’t blow down! There still is some beauty in its nudity. Best, Betty

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, I saw that...that the island never had them, the fact of them planting trees is great...i was referring to the places where there are plentiful trees but they get cut down, burned down or whatever...it is so, so sad.
isn't it?

[Betty Hermelee]

Of course it’s very sad, and I see companies denude gorgeous mountain forests, it is so!

[Lea Sheryn]

I enjoy the many dimensions of description you use in your poetry. I can close my eyes and see the rugged people tending their vegetable patches as though they are right in front of me. Marvellous!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Lea, I owe you a few; will get to it!!!

[Lea Sheryn]

Ok, thank you. I look forward to reading your reviews.

[barleygirl]

The most remarkable aspect of your writing is the way you paint very DYNAMIC scenes with a ton of imagery that can be seen & felt with all the senses, plus verbs that convey intensity . . . "slaps the rain sideways" (so intense!) This poem is popping big time on that score. I love metaphor & simile, especially when it's freshly-stated like this: "sway like a drunkard's dance" . . . I would love to see more people describe this way. One of your best (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Wow Margie, thank you so much, I think I’m improving as a novice, getting the hang of it, with your intense reviews, again thanks, hugs,Betty