The Dee Estuary

The Wirral Peninsula, twixt two rivers, Dee and Mersey, surrounded by heavy industry but a beautiful place despite that.

 

The Dee Estuary

 

 

Never two days alike as I stare out across the river's mouth;

marsh grasses wave and shimmer as a warm wind blows in from the south;

wind turbines spin where onetime lay the hazy, mystic Point of Air.

 

Seabirds sailing salty ponds dot the wideness of the estuary,

sheen and colour varying, while rippling water's odours carry

across wide and wild expanses to steelworks and cooling towers.

 

Parkgate sea-front, whence Handel carried his Messiah to Ireland

runs marsh-edged, black and white, sun lit, as yet unspoiled by man's dire hand

but, beyond the Welsh Harp Bridge, paper mills, low and sulphurous stand.

 

Yet, each year the honking geese and swans fly over the sun to roost;

wild flowers and rare orchids show their heads in places they may choose

High tides and offshore winds bringing water, again refresh the shore,

as industry and Nature compromise, a balance to restore.

 

Author's Note

Experimental structure. I', sure you'll recognise this Faith.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

I could see the panorama as i first read your words.. what a combination and, what a balance, Nature versus Man, Nature and Man

You've described it all so well, the look, the feel.. it's almost as if your words are photographs or paintings ..

'Seabirds sailing salty ponds...' the sound trickles off the pages.. so fine.

Wonderfully pictorial poetry, so well constructed too. Thank you for letting me share it all.

[Lily1111]

I am always so impressed with your ability to transport me to a place I have never visited. Your vivid descriptions bring it alive and in my mind's eye I see what you show me with your words. I enjoyed the theme of this poem very much. Well written and truly enjoyed.

[Faith Jones]

This is lovely, John. Evokes all my memories of that part of the world, and yes, the bridge deserves a more poetic name! My mother's family were very ordinary farmers in Flint, but boasted buying the first car in Flintshre (that's landed gentry for you). When I was a kid I lived first in Flint Mountain and then in Flint, before we moved to Prestatyn because of my father's failing health. I remember the long walks over the marshes. My father used to say "Follow the sheep", but that was probably bad advice, considering lots of them perished for their foolhardiness. I still love Flint castle for the memories of happy times, and my first school was on the Chester Road. It all looks so small now. I suppose the Wirral side of the Dee is really nicer, especially as you have the view of the Welsh hills on clear days!

[Patient Poet (Yos)]

Nice try , I enjoyed it, good writting, took me to another place.. thanks for sharing Yossi