Moods

no doubt when red kites near home

alert me to their imposing presence

when their squeaky shrill whistles

resound through chilled country air

as they circle overhead in search of

juicy earthworms or dead prey

when i pine for Brixham harbour

as frost clings to the last of leaves

and thoughts scatter to the wind to

that raucous rattle of metal masts

from pristine yachts in neat rows

that dance to wild gusts wailing

to pings of rigging in varied keys

strange tones, medleys of madness

a cacophony of jarring sound from

marina's pontoons that ring in ears

a percussion of discord of all that

reminds me of ocean's fickle nature

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem about the sea and her beauty. Dear Chris, I love the sea too. Life seem more easy with the sea near. I enjoyed the description and you made me wish for a sea-day. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry. I did like.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote, many thanks for stopping by with your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Neville]

Considering their numbers were decimated and these amazing native beauties were all but extinct in the UK until not that many years ago, they have made a most incredible recovery .. in terms of numbers exactly I am not sure but they now reside in almost every English county except strangely enough down here in the west country ,, but I am delighted to say I saw a pair right above my house about a month ago and since then, sightings have been reported for miles around .. Sorry Chris, I got carried away by the mention of red kites .. I wonder, have you seen them tumble .. when they spiral down exchanging tasty morsels between pairs ..

[Chris Shaw]

They are incredible to watch and we have plenty here as we are right on the Oxford border and countryside. They frequently fly over my garden. I haven’t seen them tumble in pairs exchanging tasty morsels though. That I will have to look out for. Pleased that these wonderful avian friends have reached your part of the world. Thank you for another welcome visit Neville. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Neville]

Likewise .. and tumbling is something red kites are known for .. go Google .. Neville

[Kathy Mc Cathy]

A wonderful read , from the ships to the yachts and the noises it creates make me wanna jump on a cruise ship and go on a long voyage visiting the whole world . The sun's shine on the ocean , the ocean gleams within , sometimes the sounds of serene flowing waves and sometimes roaring in the storm .It tends to change as time passes by .. Such a lovely peek into the world of the seas and oceans

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kathy. I heard it again today, as I am back by the sea. The noise coming from the marina was marvellous. While the cabin cruisers bobbed up and down in silence the yachts with their rigging, pinging and rattling were making a right din :)

Chris

[Kathy Mc Cathy]

That's amazing , Hehe , there is always a souvenir for us to take of the time of visiting the harbor , whether its the smell of the air or the rattling sounds of the ships and yachts . I'm glad you're enjoying you're time there .

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you :)

[Melinda McQueen]

A delightful scene unfolded as I was taken to the sea. What a joy to go to that place by reading. Thanks for talking me there in your skill.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Melinda. I appreciate your lovely review.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

The ocean is fickle; it makes different sounds in each season, and all the water fowl , boats and ocean toys and nature change evermore; in winter we listen to the crush of waves beating each other, in summer, the melody is adagio, slow, steady with soft harmony. The birds react to these different sounds,diving more vigorously in winter and more gently in summer. It coincides with our moods.
Love,y write Chris
Best
B.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty. Yes, the ocean like sunlight can reflect our own moods. Thank you for your thoughtful review and visit and know how appreciated you are.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

So are you appreciated!!! You're very welcome my friend! Best to you
B.

[Re-Pete]

the sea can be fickle. this strikes a cord with me as there are boats docked near the park by the harbor that i frequent. totally different feel in the air when it's cold. i know because i go there everyday right through winter. i know the changes you write of.

p.s. i know the rattle of the metal masts all too well ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

The rattle of metal masts can be quite captivating. Yes a cacophony of sound that can irritate as well as please. May you always enjoy your visits to the harbour Pete. Thank you fir stopping by with your thoughts. Have a good Wednesday.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

Wow! You really painted a picture of a windy day near the harbor. I've lived near water my whole life, but not near boats. Now I want to experience that. There is hint of melancholy here, too. Familiar sounds can be a lullaby and we long for that comfort. Thank you for sharing your memories!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Zoe for your thoughful review. The moods of the sea are wonderful to look at, but become more meaningful when boats are in the picture. We can all be like sail boats lost at sea at times.

Chris

[Laz K.]

It's very strange to read about October weather being so frosty - if the poem is indeed inspired by October weather. I say strange because in this part of the world summer goes on uninterrupted, and one might still be able to bathe in the sea.

The scenery depicted makes me feel nostalgic for the change of seasons as it creates a completely different mood: the falling leaves, the cool air, and the frost are harbingers of death, a yearly reminder of transience and finality, but also of the hope of rebirth.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Laz for your visit and thoughts here. I was projecting myself into winter in the country while looking at the moods of the wind in autumn on a turbulent sea while on holiday. There is nostalgia here, I am a spring and summer person. The seasonal changes, especially from autumn to winter do not suit me. I always appreciate your thoughful reviews.

Chris

[Broken.]

Ah yes! I love the sounds of the Marina's when its extra windy out. Something about it is so... inspiring! And yet somewhat creepy? Either way, it definitely makes me want to write! Thanks for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Broken. Apologies for not responding earlier.

Chris

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

I like this poem. Every line limns a splendid image my mind frames. There is a bird I see every now and then, once in a blue moon really, called a swallow tailed kite, I'm always in awe of them. But every time I take my phone out to take a picture of them they fly away, they're so fast. This poem reminds me of them and my awe when I see them in the sky. Wonderful write. Tyfs

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Cyprian for sharing your thoughts. I love watching our avian friends too. Appreciating your visits and encouragement.

Chris