Magnetic Memories

( took me back to experiments in physics with iron filings and magnets)

you would possess a cold heart 

not to be mesmerised by myriads

of starlings in magical murmuration

.

a sight to behold as black clouds

shift shape, size and density on an 

expanding curtainless stage

.

acrobats with perfected timing

an ariel performance without the 

relief of a safety net's assurance

.

there they fly above views of

skeletal trees on a winter skyline,

swooping, regrouping en masse

.

light sinks on a palette of greys,

birds skim through air with ease

changing direction on a whim

.

creating Mexican waves out of my

memories of iron filings, magnets

and paper patterns in physics

Reviews

[Lorry]

I remember those iron filing patterns and the story of the eureka moment that led to proving earth's magnetic field, which was scoffed at back in the day. And here was me thinking at the time, "Wow, it's like etch a sketch and spirograph had a baby 😊
Those starlings are such show offs, but who isn't entranced at the sight of them.
I wonder why there doesn't seem to be any idiot starlings that you see practicing and bumping into the more experienced ones, before plummeting to their doom.
Hold on! I think I just answered my own question 😜

[Chris Shaw]

You know Lorry, I also thought about etch a sketch when my mind lingered on iron filings, :) Ah idiot starlings, you don't see them do you? They all know what to do. Pity us humsn beings can't take a leaf out of their book. Thanks for the visit.

Chris

[Lorry]

That's what I mean Chris, how do they all just know it straight off, without practice or cheerleaders or anything?
Maybe it's their way of showing us we're not as smart as we think. Maybe they even call it their 'Get rid of the pesky humans" dance 😊

[Neville]

this is one amazing bit o poetry if you don't mind me saying .. the principle analogy could not be bettered .. take me back to my early schooldays and those science experiments .. then leave me watching skies .. yep just about perfect .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville for breathing some life into this old poem. Pleased you enjoyed it.

read moreThank you Neville for breathing some life into this old poem. Pleased you enjoyed it.

Chris

[Norman 223]

What a wonderful analogy you have drawn .her Christine. I am always fascinated by the patterns formed by hundreds of starlings which wheel over our house every evening, before settling down in the trees on the local field for the night. I had never thought of the iron filings resemblance before,, but this has given me a new talking point when I am "talking science" to some of our younger neighbours.



ave

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Norman, I really appreciate your interest in this poem. I am very fond of our avian friends and just love those murmurations. Fascinating to watch. All the best to you. Take care.

Chris

[Rick Puetter]

Well, of course, this appealed to me. I'm a physicist. But again, I find your beautiful words, painting wonderful pictures. Extremely nice. Greatly enjoyed.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. My Dad was a physicist too. Really appreciate your very encouraging review Rick.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

wow very interesting write, Magnetic Memories, some good, some bad and some you want to forget. but the second stanza made me think of this quote " he who lives by memories is dead already" but; "a sight to behold as black clouds," its what we thought we never forget or never ever remember again. but as i read on i get this feel its not just memories, but what we have learn, it just may be what the doctor order, a glimpse to what the future may hold.
you gave me food for thought, Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts about my poem. Truly appreciated.
read moreMany thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts about my poem. Truly appreciated.

Chris

[Laura Kate]

I enjoyed the movement of this piece the most. It's a beautifully dynamic write that springs all sorts of imagery to the imagination. Transformed from the 2d, to the 3d, and from Earth up to the sky and over the clouds. Much like the dynamism and infinite spaces of the mind, where your memories are held. Beautiful.
Laura.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Laura for your visit. Good to see you. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

Very good Chris speaking as an ex physics teacher and also a budding bird watcher. These murmurations are magical and seem guided by overall purpose. Poetically it seems to be our task to find connections between things unconnected. Metaphor is part of our skillset and how dull would our work be without it.
Happy new year to you and take care.
All the best,
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that very welcome review Alan. may I wish you and yours a belated happy new year. All the best.

Chris

[LazerRays]

Wow. This was deep and magical. The words were really smooth, I love that. I did notic how you tended to choose words of the same letter to emphasize the sentnce. Very good. Definitely worked out for you

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit Saree Marcel. You are most welcome.

Chris

[.]

I am going for a hiatus... I wish you all the very best. Please keep safe and take care.... Lots of love to you and hugs...❤

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sima, take the time you need to have a break, but please do comeback to us because you will be missed. Much love.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Forgetting about physics for now ( which I never took) this is a free flowing poem of starlings and how they maneuver in the different conditions... lovely images and alliterations Chris... soft....and dreamy... yours, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty. Your lovely review welcome and much appreciated.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Of course, I love your work! Glad you’re not in the America now, total chaos! Stay warm and safe

[Chris Shaw]

Have been seeing both your political and virus chaos. We have our own virus chaos. Last year it was political. Take care Betty.

[Robert Trakofler]

LOL, when I read your title you reminded me of a game I used to have called Wooly willy where you used your magnetic wand to drop filings on his face and head to make him have hair:) this of course has nothing to do with your poem:/ the imagery in this is perfect the alliteration is grand and the flow of this is wonderful in short this is one delicious piece of poetry, dear Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Bunny thank you for the smile. Very happy that my poem took you back in time to a fun game. Keep safe and well and many thank yous for checking in.

Chris