This is no lady

(in the grip of a storm)

On a day that's dull and dreary,
it's the fury of a windstorm
as it bellows out its anger,
as it whistles through the branches,
as it sets the brushwood swaying,
there is wailing, there is creaking
as what's left of winter's weeping
is swept far with bristle brushes
across a moaning, groaning sky.

When you rise to see the twisting
of the trees with limbs all thrashing
as they suffer where they're rooted,
as hard rain pretends its grieving
and the storm has barely started
you anticipate the danger
from this callous, mindless stranger,
while you question all his motives
with a suggestion he departs.

Yet he tells me his instruction
is in havoc and destruction.
He's important so he's showing
in a pique of vengeful discord,
that his strength lies in the blowing
and like skittkes down an alley,
he'll be downing them with laughter
after ripping slates from roofing
because he doesn't have a heart.

Reviews

[Intothemilkyway]

This is very beautiful Anne. Loved the part where he says he is important while he is not. And also where he doesn't have a heart. This poems shows very well your thoughts on the person, but in a very hidden way.
Here we have the tree and the big storm.
But im glad to know that in a storm , maybe big like this one you can free yourself from this heartless person.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear intothemilkywsy. So interesting to read where my lines took you. Always great to get the perspective from readers. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

So impressive, Chris.
An expert blending of nasty nature, clever personification and just enough obscurity.
Here, you may well have very closely approached high art!

[Chris Shaw]

I am blushing Jimmy. Thank you so much. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Eilis]

Great personification here, Chris. I thought of Robert Frost and some of his nature poetry while reading this. The dance between the goodness and harshness of nature.

It’s always hard when we are faced with nature’s destructive power. We have nothing to counter it and there is no reasoning or negotiating we can do to stop it from plowing forward. You’ve conveyed that well here. But also, you’ve represented the vicious beauty, the second face of the natural world. Both are necessary but it’s never fun to be in the middle of those tantrums.

I really enjoyed this poem. The descriptions and form lent a lightness to a brutal reality. Not always easy to do.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Eilis for your lovely review. To even think of Robert Frost while reading me warms me so much. Nature is harsh and beautiful at the same time. The lakes on the flood plain were breathtaking, but not far away, others would have been feeling the misery of flooded homes and all the heartache that entails. So appreciate your visits.
.
Chris

[wordman]

eventhough it`s destructive i guess it`s just part of nature that wants to fles it`s muscle

[Chris Shaw]

You have to take the rough with the smooth when it comes to nature. Thank you Ron.

[wordman]

you`re welcome chris

[SM Davis]

This is reminiscent of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka. A defiant truth is told here, as represented to me, the reader. I found this quite enjoyable...your imagery is sublime.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts SMD. Appreciate your visit.

Chris

[SM Davis]

keep writing. I'm enjoying the reading.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks :)

[SM Davis]

You bet! - Susi

[Betty Hermelee]

I love the way you convert this vicious wind/ storm into an angry person, this strange person, which is really an object not a human, but you have transformed it into a human who doesn’t have a heart. Lovely descriptive words to make the point. Nice! Yours, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty. I am delighted you left a review. Most appreciated. I thank you for your visit most sincerely.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Of course, I’ve seen your reviews which are very in- depth, my pleasure, Betty

[Relic]

Nice use of active verbs in this Chris. Storms are scary things to me although when I was young and didn't know any better, they were exciting. When you own a home and a car, everything changes.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tim for your thoughts. Appreciate your visit and your views.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

I like the quote from Wizard of Oz Tin-man “cause he doesn’t have a heart” I’m singing that now !lol ...Powerful write with brilliantly descriptive imagery, which takes the reader on the journey with you! Brilliant work Anne

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Katrina, pleased you enjoyed the read. Yes I am a great fan of the Wizard of Oz.
read moreThank you Katrina, pleased you enjoyed the read. Yes I am a great fan of the Wizard of Oz.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

Heartless but not impartless dear Chris:) okay this is a part about not living on the shore I am jealous of... sea storms are the best storms not that I am an authority mind you only experienced one but it was a doozy something about the lack of barriers as it hits the coastline and blows with impunity raw and unashamed and watching the waves curl to it's will it is electrifying to watch but I imagine horrible to live next to hope your roof is holding up well:/

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Bunny, my roof is ok thankfully. The floods this weekebd have been incredibly damaging in some parts of the country. More rain this time than the gales of last weekend. Nature at her most cruel.South Wales in tge cm alleys and parts of Yorkshire have seen devastation. Always appreciate your visits.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You take us right into the eye of the storm with your powerful imagery in this poem dear Chris. Your descriptive powers are amazing as always. Your repetition of words, interspersed with the use of alliterative sounds of the storm is so dramatic and skillful- "swaying..creeping..weeping....twisting..thrashing..grieving". We feel it all as this bully hurls his wrath at us and laughs at his destruction. You've certainly got his number! Loved this!

[Chris Shaw]

Love your very generous review Annette. Thank you so much. Happy Valentine's day to you.

read moreLove your very generous review Annette. Thank you so much. Happy Valentine's day to you.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

This is a great picture you painted here, Christine.
This left me pondering.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kay. Your visit appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris