Transient Calm

(after the Thames burst its banks)

i give you a fluvial plain on a January day

where a line of fine poplars are ankle deep

following a relentless purge of winter rain

sentinels where the fringe of a field should be

yet i see before me a wide glistening flood

where meadow grass once stood green and lush

this river could not contain its frenzied pique

frothing downstream in a turbulent dance of hell

onwards angry towards estuary and open sea

bursting banks, trespassing on once dry land

leaving in its wake a shimmering glass cold lake

resplendent in its dress of silvery sheen

all gleams silver, bright in light of low sun

an air of calm does effuse a soothing balm

as geese and terns pay homage to the peace

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"bursting banks in anger"
i like the personification....rivers don't like to be battered with what they consider God's tears...
they overflow and damage because they have been riled.
but with the sun and some days...peace comes to them again...they calm...still....almost as in a trance, meditating...
nicely done, Chris....one catch in first line, third stanza...did you mean "contain"?
and love the word "effuse" it's not a word that is used often enough...
maybe just poets make use of it.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob for your encouraging review and also for spotting the typo. Now corrected. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Beccy]

Despite all and everything we have achieved and become, we are so small and helpless before the wrath of nature, The calm is indeed transient, which is why we should fear for our future and climate deniers are fools.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Couldn't agree with you more Beccy about climate change deniers. Nature can delight and frighten us with her mood. Thank you so much for your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[keith]

a most believeable write on the power and beauty of moving waters.
I live on the edge of the lowlands and salt marsh that ebb & flow as the tides and weather dictate.

there are swamps and creeks within a good stone's throw as I am at only 9 feet above sea level.
a most enjoyable read … kudos!

[Chris Shaw]

To live near moving water can be a delight as well as a challenge depending on nature's moods. I thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Nature is very unprediactle. Very nice poem indeed. c:

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. It is unpredictable. The lakes disappeared for a few days, but following heavier rain, they are back deeper, and this time with a chance that homes are in danger. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

That is very good it came back. c:

Please take a look at my new poems c:

[Marie-Louise.]

I love this poem. So verbally painted to create such a pictorial image.
Beautifully thought through. Thanks for this Chris.
You must know that I am no poet, not really, with no formal education in English so my appreciation of poetry is not always understood, and sometimes goes over my head. This however is a poem that I understand so well. I do love it.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Marie-Louise. Poetry is for everyone, you don't need to have a formal education in English or poetry to appreciate what you read. It has always been a desire of mine to produce poems that can be enjoyed by all readers whatever their ability. You have made my day and I thank you sincerely for your lovely comments. They mean a great deal. I taught myself poetry. You can learn from what you read. It has been a wonderful hobby of mine which feeds my creative side. I have always tried to paint with words. Keep writing and keep reading lots of poetry.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Mother nature isn't always polite. The picture painted in this offering, while not one of utter devastation, does show the degree of damage that can be caused by the elements. And yet, in the calm aftermath, a scene of beauty does transpire, one which an artist could render worthy of anyone's living room wall. He might be quick about it though; the Thames may not be through.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. The flood water subsided for a few days and the lakes disappeared, but then more rain came and this time heavier. The lakes are back and this time there is a risk of flooding to homes in the neighbourhood. That is devastating news for some. Mother nature when she intrudes on homes, is far from polite. She is unwelcome and totally destructive, causing much misery. Always value your visits and comments.

Chris

[gram linski]

think the geese and terns got the better end of the deal so every cloud is full of rain, lol loved the imagery, the frenzied pique of the river grabbed my weary bones and gave them a shoogle, great stuff, Chris

[Chris Shaw]

What a fabulous word "shoogle". Got to look that one up. Thanks gram.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Shoogle is a bit of a shake. You do that gram Shake, rattle and roll. Way to go :))

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Glorious poem Chris. You are a true WordMistress!- “fluvial plain”- yes. Powerful, primal images sweep us away in this flood of words and nature. Great metaphor and alliteration usage. Your last verse brings us the peace of the storm’s abating. Love this experience.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so generous with your reviews Annette. Thank you so much for your valued comments.
read moreYou are so generous with your reviews Annette. Thank you so much for your valued comments.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

I could picture the scene perfectly...the imagery you employ is superb! It does seem as though a river is angry when it overflows. After the rains, there is a tranquil feeling...a peaceful blanket. Your love of nature is shining in this one. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, thank you so much for your very generous review. Greatly appreciated. Hope all is well with you.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Such strong imagery. It seems the weather there is somewhat as it's been here as of late, plus the occasional snow dump and deep freeze. Winter's not my fave but it makes for beautiful writing from you

[Chris Shaw]

I'm not a lover of winter either Lyn. I just want to hibernate. Spring suits me. Thanks very much for your review.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

A perfect picture you have painted Chris, i always think there is an ethereal presence in the silence of floodwater as it seeps quietly but deliberately over anything in its way..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. You describe perfectly that feeling it gives me. An ethereal presence. Appreciate very much your visit.

Chris