Shades Of Bland

smokey grey bleeds into a grim day

far away a horizon line defined

by a deeper shade of sea

no silver ribbons gleam on breakers

not a streak of colour in sight

of sea water's wall

sail boats skim surface as mist

rolls in on a sudden whim, in ghostly

eerie trails

encroaching with its flimsy flying

wedding veils, eyes ever searching

pockets form, swirling twirling

in she glides at pace as though in a

race, no ferries will chase today's

white crested waves

insipid neutral shades of dull

hulls and sterns of boats obscured

by hazy creep

yet there's comfort in grey moments

confined to slate grey dreams

claustrophobia wrapped in a wool

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

Grey was my adolescent self's colour of choice. It was comforting to me beyond the imagination of those that saw drabness and gloom, on on end of the spectrum, and sartorial dignity on the other. But the real revelation is that is also brought on a familiar claustrophobia. Quite a profound line of thinking along the lines of this poem. Thanks for sharing, Chris. 　

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for your thoughts here Frederick. Like you I too found comfort in the greys and still do on occasions. Pleased you stopped by. All good wishes.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Both during approach and onset, Winter often steals color from the sea.
While of some very temporary comfort, this effect, eventually, troubles the human spirit.
A stunning and multi-metaphorical depiction, good poetess.

[Chris Shaw]

Jimmy, you are so encouraging with your reviews. I thank you.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

quite the challenge to elevate the bland Christine .. and i think your poem does just that .. i love the fog .. i love when it settles high or low .. but especially low .. you can walk through it .. the quiet is striking!
".... bleeds into a grim day" and "....deeper shade of sea" wonderful imagery ma'am! brilliant, i say; simply brilliant! ;) and your closing line .. sheesh! so uncomfortable! i can feel that scratchy wool and imagine the claustrophobia ... which i have never had ... a fine grey poem for the season :)
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E. Top of the morning to ya from the UK, and a blue sky, trembling gold leaf day it is. Thank you for your very encouraging review of a poem writ last week while on a family holiday with my dear ones. Wonderful views from balcony windows. I was taken aback by the speed that the sea mist rolled in. Yes, it is calming but also made me feel claustrophobic. I like to be able to see ahead.

All good wishes from across the pond and most happy for your visit.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

back at ya Chris! cold and rainy this morning here in the Ozarks ;) i love it all :)))))))))))))))))))))))) great poem!

[NotUsinganymore]

Very wonderful poem a grey day can be beautiful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. Pleased to see you. Hope you are keeping safe and well.

Chris

[emmajoy]

The sea, the ocean, adopts whatever the sky and weather dictates. No day's the same as the previous one neither sheen nor dullness hits the water's surface, but it does invite a drifting silver grey veil as if hiding temporarily until the time is right.. For me, is somehow more than emotional. nudges tears, nudges how life can be.. a sadness that can't be altered.. for now. Beautiful, truly beautiful, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kindly Em for your lovely review. You are so right. No two days are ever the same beside the sea. Constant change. Constant fluctuations in light abd mood. Have a good Sunday.

Chris

[Dave]

So easy to see the calm sea shrouded in the mist. Boats even ferries reluctant to challenge the impending fog smothering the harbor. What a beautiful scene you give us Chris.

Have a good- safe day. Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for your good wishes. Reciprocated, I might add. Thank you for appreciating my poem.

Chris

[Dave]

You're more than welcome.
Take care - Dave

[AJNJ]

The ocean is a dull grey-green wall that one gets tired of watching sometimes. Especially on days of inactivity. The same rush and roar that enthralls at times becomes maddeningly boring too. Yet, I welcome these greys cocoons! I need them to shut myself off from the colour and noise of life. Loved this poem for its message!

[Chris Shaw]

Sometimes we just need a bit of bland so we can rest our eyes. Thank you AJ. Grey cocoons, I like the way you have described that. many thank yous for your continued support of my scribbles.

Chris

[AJNJ]

My pleasure always 🤗

[Vertigo Cat1111]

A poem that captures those gray days perfectly! I actually love the storms and get bored with the sun so I can image it happening the other way around, if you live in such different areas. I love the descriptive words, and just the whole poem paints the picture of a cloudy sky above an calm ocean.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Colacat, thank you so much for your encouraging review. Your visit is appreciated.

read moreDear Colacat, thank you so much for your encouraging review. Your visit is appreciated.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A grey October day described in very descriptive verse with a flavour of sad, blunted emotion as the writer watches and rues the day.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Another poem from my recent holiday. I appreciate the read.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You late and early lass are welcome.