Calm and Storm

Inspired by the avatar which I took at Southampton Docks in 1957 just having berthed from the Nevasa. Th United states was a beautiful vessel and yes, the funnels were pink.

 

 

 

Calm and Storm

The waves that ripple on the shingle strand

Seem gentle to the bathers at the shore.

There’s softness as cool water meets warm land

Its oceanic journey now is o’er;

Fair trade winds follow gently in its wake

To aid the current’s never ceasing flow;

That ocean may earth’s thirsty edges slake,

While salty zephyrs softly landward blow.

Alas, such peace cannot forever be

Strong gales must rise, for such is Nature’s way,

Destruction, springing from a wind lashed sea

As black skies confiscate the light of day.

Rest not, my friends, on laurels of repose;

The rider of the storm no mercy shows.
 

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

Being an ex-sailor, I've seen the sea's different moods. An outstanding poem, John.

[lauren emily]

"Fair trade winds follow gently in its wake

To aid the current's never ceasing flow;

That ocean may earth's thirsty edges slake,

While salty zephyrs softly landward blow."
I really like that part..well..I like the whole thing! It's really well written. The way you described everything is just so..beautiful.
Awesome work,
~Lauren

[emmajoy]

This is very dramatic, yet subtle somehow - Incredible flow, maybe like the sea.. beautifully worded -

'Fair trade winds follow gently in its wake
To aid the current's never ceasing flow;
That ocean may earth's thirsty edges slake,
While salty zephyrs softly landward blow.

And how correct you are about Nature.. it's beautiful, magnificent at its best but oh so cruel at times. As yet Man's not been able to stem the storm

Thank you so much for sharing