The Vengeful Sea

The Vengeful Sea

A Poem by Chris Shaw

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.

© 2018 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

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

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

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

.. read more
Coyote Poetry

6 Years Ago

You are right dear Chris and you are welcome.



Reviews

The very nature of shipping, and the environments in which the industry operates, make seafaring one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Your poetically poignant share highlights the dangers when the elements effect the conditions of our seas and the heartbreak(s) that may result. Great share my friend ... :-)

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you PhilI. I appreciate your thoughtful response. Many thanks.

Chris
The sea is not to be doubted it is a powerful being with no knowing when it can suddenly change currents and blow up a storm- I was washed away as a child and that is an experience I’ll never forget but I was lucky my dad jumped in and found me and a stranger my brother the currents were strong they took a chance- out there nothing is gaurenteed- emotional write 🌹

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Dear Kelly, thank you for sharing your own personal experience of just how dangerous the sea can be... read more
dear Chris... the seagulls know the secrets of the sea... their feelings are a beacon of light to those who live by the sea... there is a telepathy that transcends mortality. truly, Pat

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Pat. I'm sure that your thinking is sound. Look at the behaviour of seagulls when the weat.. read more
This is like a movie score playing inside my mind's eye. I really can hear the waves lashing and the roar of the high winds. And the darkness covering the tragic tale that is being unfolded before the townsfolk. Heart racing, dramatic and fearful danger of the sea and town folk who live by it.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Dawn for your response. Very much appreciated.

Chris
somber tale that takes me up with hope and down with the news ...love the "cone" gave me some light to see, hear and feel that stormy sea ... poor wife indeed :(
E.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Happens all the time round our coastline in bad weather. Sadly people get caught out. Thank you Mr E.. read more
Einstein Noodle

6 Years Ago

no kidding ... you would think they would know better :(
A compelling portrayal that ends devastatingly.
Neptune has claimed yet another human offering.
It will not be the last.



Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Jimmy. As soon as the weather turns, expect havoc at sea. Sadly people do not take heed of.. read more
Considering there's about three times as much water to terrain on our planet, it has to be the most treacherous enemy.. and so many people suffer its tragic welcome. Your words are clearly, carefully put yet.. sad as hell. It's how it is when life is near the sea, the ocean.. one never knows until it's too late. Fine, fine writing, Chris, as always.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Good luck with the bathroom. Will be good when the work is completed. Thank you for your kind words .. read more
This comment has been deleted by the poster.
emmajoy

6 Years Ago

Deleted previous message, irrelevant considering your poem's theme.. forgive please. xv
Wow- the description builds suspension right till you get to the end and BAM you get hit with the blunt truth! The whole poem ties together and leaves you going, "oh. My. God."
this is what I like to see in poetry

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Pleased to meet you Sarah. I appreciate your thoughtful response.

Chris
There are so many drownings every year and it's especially sad when you hear about rescue teams that try their best and someone is lost... So sad, tragic.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Ana for responding. Much appreciated.

Chris
Thanks for writing this Chris, it will fit in nicely with the following rant I have been waiting most of my life to complain about. Rant begins.
Remember youth? Remember the AA (automobile association )
They had an ad on tv saying they were the fourth emergency services...i used to scream at the tv "no, its the coastguard...youre not even the fifth (mountain rescue) AAARRGJ, grownups!
Ah, that felt good :)


Posted 6 Years Ago


Lorry

6 Years Ago

So in summation, great job on a poignant write, and apologies my connections glitching and keeps sen.. read more
Lorry

6 Years Ago

The end :)
Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Lorry. Pleased I could help you with your little rant. Yes we must never forget the coastg.. read more

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901 Views
25 Reviews
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Shelved in 2 Libraries
Added on October 13, 2018
Last Updated on October 13, 2018

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

Writing

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