The Vengeful Sea

Rotating blades of rescue bird

are heard above a storm-rent bay.

As darkness of the night is sliced,

a cone beams down of blazing light

to search the crested, gnashing waves.

Familiar sounds alert the town

and bulbs switch on as curtains twitch.

Soon people in their undressed state

relate their gossip, guess the fate

of someone or a ship's distress.

An hour passes, bird's still there.

It struggles in the spray-filled air

before it banks and flies away.

No news, the truth will have to wait.

Next day it does appear, poor wife,

the sea has claimed her husband's life.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

The sea cannot be controlled. Can be very dangerous. Your poetry, true and honest. I suicided boarded the big Winter Storms of California in 1992-1994. We feel very small with we dance with the sea. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote, the sea can be both mouse and monster. Thank you for your response.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Davidgeo]

I thought about being a rescue diver a long time ago... then I found out what exactly that entails; so I decided I'd rather jump out of airplanes and rappel/fast rope out of helicopters just to be safer. Standing in the middle of rush hour traffic surrounded by a pack of hungry lions and a dozen poisonous snakes is safer than rescue diving. Those cats are f*****g mad.

I'm not even sure that's what you were writing about but, whatevers… as the reader I get to assign my own meaning and I choose the rescue diver angle.

[Chris Shaw]

Your response perfectly in context with the meaning of this poem. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Dave]

We are said to be born of it and perhaps that is why we are so inexorably drawn to the sea. Yet, it is an often cruel taskmaster, unforgiving to those that do not heed her warnings. Still there are those that will take on her challenges even though at times they take them on unwillingly.

I like the pointing out of the reluctant observers of the tragic event.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Island people we are, surrounded by it. That makes it even more important that we pay the ocean far more respect. She is a turncoat and fickle. A woman of many moods, some absolutely lethal. Thank you Dave.

Chris

[Suhd]

I love the way your work unfolds at the end. You've drawn quite a descriptive scene here, it is like a movie.
Cheers.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Suhd for your visit and thoughtful comments. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

My last two years in the US Navy was with a search and rescue unit, (we had three UH1-N Helicopters) so this poem has special meaning for me. The word "brave" hardly does justice for those who go out in the worst conditions imaginable to save lives.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Samuel. Yes, we are reminded of those people who constantly put their own lives on the line to save others. Many thanks for sharing your experiences.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I love your title & it fits perfectly with your sad tale. I love the way you describe the chopper, as I could see the whole thing in my mind's eye. Despite the technical details, your writing feels poetic, almost lyrical, in that last dying gasp of effort to save the guy. Love dynamic words like "gnashing" (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie. Sadly all too common, we have a huge coastline surrounding our island. Without our coastguard and other rescue services there would be many more deaths at sea.

Chris

[Cobblestone Traveler]

Wow, this spoke to me. Very vivid portrayal of the scenery of the angry ocean and a real heartache when it sinks in that it was a search-and-rescue without success. You have a gift to stir the soul. Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Cobblestone Traveler, good to meet you. Thank you for visiting my page and the lovely response you have given. Most appreciated.

Chris

[KeeD]

I recently watched a movie called Apostle, in that a brother journeys via sea to an isolated island where a cult has kidnapped his sister. Your poem reminds me of his voyage, the sea not only plays a physical toll on the voyager but psychologically toys with his mind. It's like being trapped in a cage with a giant on the outside waiting to consume you. I love how you tell stories via your poems.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Kee. Lovely to hear from you and thank you for sharing. Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[Paul Bell]

The brave souls who use the sea give it their utmost respect.
But even the best get into trouble.
The sea never asks questions. Just waits.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Paul, your response appreciated.

Chris

[john l smith]

I love the sea, we live on the edge of it's many moods and have enjoyed its gentle ways and have been involved in its fury.
Nicely written
Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for reading and reviewing. All the best.

Chris