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.

[.]

So beautiful... Your poems describes the nitty gritty of the oceanic view so effortlessly. ... Nice read

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Loved the imagery of the wordplay - all this reminded me of a day out at Berry Head (National Nature Reserve). The stunning headland, with the iconic lighthouse and Napoleonic Fort, and great views across Torbay were a treat. How blessed to live near such a wonderful location... excellent write my friend ... :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Phill, I love Berry Head. Went for walks there a couple of times recently when we holidayed in Brixham. Unusually there are now eight cruise liners anchored in the bay because of the virus. A reminder of changing times but on the bright side a sight to behold when lit up at night. Take care and thanks for your visit.

Chris

[AJNJ]

as frost clings to the last of leaves...Winter is closing in and the poet longs for the sunny seaside days to return....and thoughts scatter to the wind...another beautiful line, tells me how wishful our thinking is in the face of the unrelenting seasonal march...Just as those beautiful kites long for something...anything to feed upon, the poet too longs for the sustainance of the spirit from the soul calming cacaphony of this much loved harbour. Loved it!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you AJ for such an encouraging review. So pleased you enjoyed the read. All good wishes winging their way across the pond.

Chris

[Lorry]

You capturee the sounds of what or where is in your heart so well Chris, something I could only do most likely, from a quayside cafe, safe in the knowledge that if any gulls try nicking my ice-cream, they'll get a bloomin shock when they rebound off the window 😀
This to me has a similar feel to snoozing on a deckchair, just before nodding off, you realise your ears pick up everything, while yourother senses relax. Similar to my all time favourite thing ever, of nodding off while lying on childhoods houses living room rug, with tv playing, footsteps, pots being stirred. More than just sounds, they have comfort included at no extra charge.
Most likely a safe cocoon feel of my childhood, whereas yours is more a reminder of the days covid has stolen from us all and dearly wish for them back.
Hope you get on deck again soon 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry for your thoughts. Yes, it's not just what you see, but what you can hear too. This was a wild day, and a strong wind was blowing. It is the first time I have truly listened to the noise that was being generated from the marina at Brixham. It was an absolute din. Pleased if I could capture it here. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Yes, yes, and yes again. The emotions are hung on the air for everyone to share, Chris. This is such a finely written description, a memory to hold close. One I understand.. for this or that place. A beautiful post and special.

Had to read again. The following couplet reminds me of arriving at half five in the morning:

to pings of rigging in varied keys
strange tones, medleys of madness

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Em for your encouragement and enthusiasm. This is a special place for me and with each visit I find something new. This time it was sound whipped up by a strong wind. It will always remain memorable.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Special places like special people always remain the same, even if wrapped in different feelings.read moreSpecial places like special people always remain the same, even if wrapped in different feelings.
Have three or four favourite places/ Your poetry is very illuminating, Chris, it so often displays the person, the woman, you are :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Em. Ha! I'm not so sure that's a good thing :))

[emmajoy]

Can rewrite my comment if you prefer? !

[Chris Shaw]

No, dear Em. leave it be. I don't think I am special and I am only too aware of my faults. I could easily be revealing those :))

[emmajoy]

Very much doubt that - but know the feeling far too well, Chris, hence less time in here!

[Dave Brown]

All done very nicely
I can see the many masts bobbing but can't visualize the Kites
There are none here
I will substitute our over abundant Seagulls and their seaside calls to complete the visuals

[Chris Shaw]

The kites are flying near my home. Only seagulls pestering at Brixham. Thank you Dave. All good wishes.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

A wonderful poem, that for some reason to me, has a bit of a creepy mood to it. Perfect for October, I suppose! Moody as in, stormy I think. It's obvious you have strong feelings for this area you talk about, and it's so apparent in this poem, and it's all worded beautifully.

[Chris Shaw]

I do have strong ties to this area and the moods come from the sea. This week she was quite angry, but I have seen her as calm as calm can be. Thank you Colacat.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

It really is breathtaking to see and feel emotions even from the sea, and it was my pleasure (:

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed a reflective and moody piece as you long to return to Brixham, and who could blame you. Nice well described couplets in this one Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Had a great time. Long wait before I go again.

Chris