Storm

An ice-cold winter wind prevails

which blasts and wails its wicked path

across the coastline of Torbay.

From heights I see the frantic swell

whipped to a frenzy, mixed with rain.

Nearby all limbs of local trees

resemble sea anemones,

long tentacles of outstretched pain

that shake and scream out their distress.

No sail boat dares to brave the waves.

A storm sweeps in from way out west.

The sky grows dark, in warmth I stand

behind the rain-drenched window glass.

On land atop a hill I wait,

and wait with fear for it to pass.

Reviews

[Stella Armour]

"Nearby all limbs of local trees
resemble sea anemones,
long tentacles of outstretched pain
that shake and scream out their distress."
What a wonderful if scary image you have painted here Chris. I can see the tentacle branches waving about unprotected in the storm like flags in every direction..

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Stelka. Those trees were scary to watch. They almost took on human form and I swear I hadn't had a drop to drink :) Many thanks for your lovely review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

The atmosphere must have been unreal; it goes to show how tiny and unimportant we are in the greater order of things..

[Chris Shaw]

It certainly highlights how little we all are in the overall picture. Apologies for the typo in your name Stella. My tablet has a mind if its own.

Chris

[Sarah K Cass]

What an evocative write, Chris. I'm watching the trees through the window thinking about your poem now as the wind whips from the West (where I am).

[Chris Shaw]

I was in the West when I wrote this one Amber. Today it is windy where I am, but nothing as scary as that storm. I am sure you are used to storms rolling in from the sea, where you are. Thanks very much for checking this one out.

Chris

[Sarah K Cass]

Very used to, and inspired by stormy seas. You are very welcome.

[Roger Turgeon]

We are often spectators of the storm from behind our personal glass. Enjoyed the imagery. ( : O )

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Roger. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Have a good Sunday.

Chris

[The Black Penman]

I liked this because you perfectly gave me the vision of the happening. Great write! I'm a fan!

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased to hear that. I have enjoyed reading you too and have sent you a friend request.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

A beautiful description of storm observed from a safe,warm, point of advantage. Nature at its most ferocious and awe inspiring stage . "From heights I see the frantic swell whipped to frenzy , mixed with rain ". I could not only see clearly, but felt it as well. You portrait of storm is Absolutely wonderful, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

You are very kind Mrudula. I appreciate very much your words.

Chris

[Anjeline]

This is a piece for which visual imagery are exactly suited words. It's really a very nicely written poem. I myself have never witnessed a storm here in India. I just once experienced a mild earthquake and I am quite thankful for not experiencing a storm. However I really liked the comparison of the branches of trees with sea anemones. Wonderful work and stay safe.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your lovely review Anjeline. I really appreciate your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Anjeline]

You're welcome :)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Frightening in its imagery and magnificent in the pure power it evokes dear Chris. “Long tentacles of outstretched pain”- brilliant. Lovely flow, alliteration, language. The drama of a seascape in the extremis of a winter storm is palpable. Amazing write!

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this one Annette. It certainly was a scary experience. Your review so much appreciated. Give Pebbles a little cuddle from me.

Chris

[Dave]

I can feel the chill and the wind blowing!
Good thing to safely wait for the tempest
to pass.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

It was scary Dave. This storm really frightened me. Fortunately it blew itself out after a few hours. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

Storms can certainly do that to you.
Best wishes to you too.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dave.

[Ted Kniffen]

I guess I'm one of those weird people who truly like storms. I've experienced thunderstorms, blizzards, tornados and a hurricane...what Nature can do with out much effort is scare the heck out of us. At times we batten down the hatches and wait for the calm after the storm. Your words here are an apt description of riding out Mother Nature's fury.
A good write, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ted. Nature can indeed be very scary. Pleased you like storms, but reckon you could be in the minority here :) Many thank yous for your review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

I don't doubt that I would be in the minority and probably rightfully so. I may be a little daft but fear produces a terrific adrenalin rush. LOL :(0)

[Chris Shaw]

I can think of better ways to get an adrenaline rush Ted :)

[LazerRays]

wow, this is deep! I love the detail thats put into this :) the setting strikes me as hostile and only brave can go into. and that got meeee stuck on this. I love things that take bravery and strength, so this was definitely a poem for me :D

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Sarah, pleased you enjoyed the darkness and hostility in these lines. Scary stuff. Pleased it didn't last. Many thanks and hope all is good with you.

Chris

[LazerRays]

thank you! all is well :D

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear :)