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

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Hello Chris!
I was passing through and was waylaid by this awesome storm in your poetry! I grabbed a raincoat and rushed onto the nearest storm shelter and watched it unfold, wide-eyed!

Such lovely descriptions, my friend. If anyone can paint a picture with words, it’s you.

Give my regards to the little kitten at your place! And love to you always!

Here’s a sunflower to you🌻

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ditzy, my favourite cat. So pleased you were passing through. Our little kitten is growing, and is adorable. Into everything, such fun. Thank you for that lovely sunflower, a reminder of heat and colour on a very cold day. So pleased to see you.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

My pleasure Chris! In no time will the Spring come to you!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Like others I find the descriptions painted in this lilting, free flowing poem original and vital. The trees in particular gripped me. Nice, apt and too too timely Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John. The trees that night were amazing to look at. Quite mesmerising.

Chris

[AYVID N]

An awe-inspiring poem on a dark, ominous storm, whipping the oceans, stripping the earth of its calm, distressing all it’s elements.

I love the description of the local trees, they create such a vivid picture of distress. The stunning disparity between the outside and the inside was again something I loved, as you created it so well.

This poem is such a tribute to nature’s fury and reminds us of how helpless we stand if she decides to unleash her wrath!

The storm grips me, enthralls me and makes me marvel at your poetry here. 🌷

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for an awesome review on this little poem DIVYA. There was plenty of fury on display that evening, A reminder of how powerful nature can be. I do appreciate your visits.

Chris

[john l smith]

The good news is, according to an article I recently read, is that these enhanced weather events will become commonplace!
No van drivers to yell at for satisfaction
Stay warm

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dave for the good news. No van drivers were verbally assaulted whilst writing this response :)

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Those storms come and go. Never become easier. Powerful and wonderful words shared dear Chris.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Plenty of power that night Coyote. If that could have been harnessed, it would have helped towards our electricity bills. Many thanks yous.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i see this also alluding to human lives lost or ruined with nature's wrath. "tentacles of outstretched pain/ that shake and scream out their distress."
really impactful lines...and with each new storm of nature, or storm of emotions because of love...we "wait with fear for it to pass."
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. I like where my words took you.

Chris