Without Mercy

(South Devon's coastline in June)

The bountiful sea at Babbacombe
showed no mercy yesterday
when her anger turned treacherous.
Young men on holiday ventured out
did not respect her strength,
misunderstood her malice.

As waves smashed against rocks
a favourite spot where Dad and I
would sit and take tea,
the whirly bird was heard,
searching, searching.

This morning's white horses
tell me she is in no mood for apologies.
One man dead, two seriously ill,
when swollen sea and windy conditions
threw swimmers heading for shore
on to waiting sharps.

From a cottage balcony
in the tiered terraced hillside heights,
I look down on Brixham town's
inner harbour, where boats
bob gently in relative shelter,
but beyond the breakwater across the bay
today's breakers spell danger.
A killer is still at loose.

Reviews

[bigfootprint]

Love this one, Chris. You challenge the sea's cruelty with your insightful treatment. You create a merciful tone of understanding, rising above the roiling undercurrents of tragedy, danger, and sense of loss. Even so, you capture the beauty and excitement of living by the sea. I would have enjoyed joining you and your dad for teatime in your favourite spot. I do so admire a woman of culture and talent. Well done. -- Doug

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Doug for your visit and considering this poem. Always good to see you on my page with your wonderful reviews. Take care.

Chris

[HadesRising]

stormy seas as dark as coal,
Preventing the sailors from reaching their goal.
Battered and bruised, but still they fight...
Staring ahead, into the dead of night.
Rocking and rolling as they try to stand...
Hoping against hope, that they soon reach land.

[Chris Shaw]

Hey that is dead cool :)
A poetical response. I like that. Thank you. I always take that as a real compliment that I've inspired someone to write.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A salutory tale of salty seas in session. The power of the waves and the tragedy told in descriptive verse with an empathetic tone.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John. Yes, never lose sight of the treachery of the ocean

Chris

[Mary]

Respect the sea. Always. The imagery you use, "this morning's white horses," is striking! I can almost envision the whitecaps running wild and free, like wild horses.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mary. I appreciate your thoughtful review.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I rode the Winter storms with a suicide board. I saw waves hitting deep in-land when the Pacific was pissed-off. Here in Michigan. Lake Superior had took many large ships and the sea can be deadly and cold hearten. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. Yes, the sea is deadly, has fickle moods. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[Lydia Shutter]

While the ocean is beautiful and I enjoy watching her and even sailing on her, I never lose sight of the fact she can be a dangerous villain. "White horses" great way to describe the rising tide that swirls during a storm. How sad that lives were lost and the helicopter had to search. You told the tale so perfectly....I could picture the scene. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, your thoughts are very much appreciated here. Treacherous few days on the coastline in South Devon. So sad.

Chris

[Relic]

There are times when the sea knows no compassion for humans or ships. This is a compelling read, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Tim, what a few days on this stretch of coastline. You expect it in winter but not in the summer. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[LitStar]

this is amazing

i think you could take this and make it into a story


or at least some form of prose


-L.S

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you LitStar. Your visit most welcome.

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

in America particularly the state of Michigan a song was made for the ss Edmund fitzgerald wriiten and performed by Gordon lightfoot it carried iron ore and sank in a gale in 1975 all crew of 29 perished he considers this song his finest work in a bleak time. THE GREAT LAKES ARE HUGE and not to be trifled with during bad weather thank you for writing this maybe someone will consider and heed the warnings

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Kent, thank you for sharing with me. Gordon Lightfoot known to me for jazz. Yes, we must respect all water whether it is the ocean, lakes or rivers. They all spell danger.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Wonderful write. The sea is an unpredictable place to wander into,we never know what awaits us there.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Weeping willow, thank you so much for your thoughts. Very much appreciated. All good wishes.read moreDear Weeping willow, thank you so much for your thoughts. Very much appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris