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 😊

[lightsong]

It's amazing how from from physic experiments You could write something romantic and lovely as this (yes for me the turning point was at the fouth verse) the resemblance between Your memory and the nature scence that evoked it (if I'm not mistaken) is a key for the balance in life and existence. science and spirit. so nice to read You again dear Chris 💕

[Chris Shaw]

Dear lightsong thank you for that lovely review. Happy New year to you.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Wonderfully written. The alliteration in the first verse is outstanding ... in my opinion nothing better than "mesmerised by myriads in magical murmuration".
Where I live in the mid-west of north America we are on the flyway for bird migration. Tremendous flocks of Canadian geese flying south in the fall ... ducks on the move ... red-winged blackbirds heading to Costa Rica.
The English starling is good for ridding the yard of insects ... and they certainly seem to be of one mind when flying.
Iron filings and magnets are always a fun combination.

Good job Chris.

P.S. and now in the midst of this stupid pandemic we've lost Gerry Marsden. A right talented 'scouser 'e was.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ted, so sad about Gerry. What wonderful songs he gave us. Thank you for sharing your own experiences of bird migration. I just love watching those avian friends flocking together in the skies. Magical to look at. Do keep safe my friend on these awful times. We are having an awful time over here. Complete lockdown now.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

We are in lockdown as well Chris ... they can't seem to be able to roll out a vaccination plan that works ... too many noses bent outta shape. One would think that with ten months of dealing with this virus they would have been better prepared.

[Chris Shaw]

We have just started our vaccination programme in the last three weeks. 1.3 million have been vaccinated. Government aiming to get all vulnerable groups vaccinated by mid Feb. Fingers crossed. Hope your plan gets going soon. So many lives lost, vaccination is the only way out of this. People can't follow simple rules. Take care Ted.

[Ted Kniffen]

My mum will be getting her first jab this Sunday. She's 96, in a LTC facility but testing negative to the virus once a week.
Fingers crossed.

[Chris Shaw]

Hoping my mum who is 88 and in a nursing home will get hers within the next week. My elderly aunt will have hers tomorrow. Fingers still crossed.

[red93]

Also excellent - the Romans used to make decisions based on the flight of birds - very evocative and real.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you red93 for your welcome response.

Chris

[Anni Pon]

Wow, I love the comparison of flocks of birds in flight to waves and magnets. I too love watching them, and you've captured it perfectly with your imagery. I think most birds have a magnetic sense of direction that helps them navigate, which gives this even more meaning. Very well written piece!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Anni Pon. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Helen]

This is such a visual and lively poem, it is a feast of images for the mind!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit Helen. All good wishes.

Chris

[emmajoy]

This is as exquisite as any poem could be, Chris.. Every stanza offers a masterpiece. This has moved me as much as any cafe post in eleven or so years. Truly.

'light sinks on a palette of greys,
birds skim through air with ease
changing direction on a whim '

Wishing you and your darling family a far better and more adventurous new year.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Em, many thank yous for such a wonderfully encouraging review. Thank you for your good wishes and hoping too that 2021 is a much better one for you and yours.

Chris

[emmajoy]

May i add: probably two years ago, was leaving Dorchester about half five or so; remembered I needed some things from Tescos. Opened the car door. stepped out, stood and was distracted.. looked up. There above the lights and maybe heat of the building was the most magnificent murmuration I've ever seen. 'Watched, as did a few others, there outside, above a s' market for about ten minutes was a flow of breath.taking movement! It remains one of my personal Wonders of the World and Chris, tho brief, utterly memorable. Even now, this second or few.

[Chris Shaw]

Those moments you don't forget, do you? Take care Em.

[emmajoy]

Never.. seen over open county but never in a place like that. If I close eyes, can still see the movement .. beautiful, mesmerising.

Hope the latest restrictions arent going to cause lots of problems for you. Take care, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

They are welcome. Things are out of control. Went out yesterday to shop for food. First time in, 12 days. Too many people ignoring sound advice. Roll on the vaccines.

[emmajoy]

Will message you later about your penultimate sentence.. no rush to respond. Take care to rest a little when you can, please. x

[rew]

'' iron filings ''

I think that's exactly what they look like, although, when I saw this
'' murmurings '' for the first time I thought it was some strange cloud
- then a great cloud of flying insects - perplexing.
the iron filings do the trick for me - trailing these around the school desk
Thanks for the memory
regards from rew.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit rew. Pleased to meet you on my page. All the best for 2021.

Chris

[rew]

likewise Chris

rew

[Pete]

this is brilliant. my goodness. your words attract and pull as a magnet. such memorable wording and flow. simply inescapable. my favorite was the part about the clouds. outstanding write chris ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pete what a fabulous review you have posted here for me. Thank you so much. Keep safe and all the best for a very happy new year. 2021 has got to be an improvement surely?

Chris

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

"acrobats with perfected timing
an ariel performance without the
relief of a safety net's assurance" - fave stanza.

I really like the title as well it brought me to read this wonderfully written poem. tyfs

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for that very encouraging review Cyprian. All the best to you. Keep safe and a happy new year.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

light sinks on a palette of greys,
birds skim through air with ease
changing direction on a whim

this stanza is just so very elegant....like a ballet of words, Chris. Now when I see a flock of birds in twilight, I will think of this poem. Who would think physics could be so poetic? Only you, dear Chris. May you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that lovely review Lydi** and your good wishes for Christmas. I wish you happy holidays too, and keep safe my friend.

Chris