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 😊

[barleygirl]

I bet every poet has looked at a thick flock of swooping black featheries & wanted to find something to equate it to . . . magnetic filing is no doubt the most original, most stunning accomplishment of an always-there urge buried in every writer's heart. Plus, your entire poem is equal to the analogy, pumping it up to being unforgettable! Here's toasting your talent for Christmas & wishing for more of your delightful bird droppings thru-out the new year! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Margie, thank you for such a generous review. Sending you all the best for the season.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Chris... you will be delighted to know I had my first
lesson in Physics because of your poem. I looked up
"Physics/Magnets". It is fascinating to read about.
I must tell you that prior to a week ago, so many Starlings
flew into our bird-feeding Deck outside our Kitchen Window.
We have lived here three years and this was the first visit
by these beautiful iridescent black Starlings. There would be
ten to twenty at one time on the feeding ledge of the deck.
This went on for about four days or so and they simply disappeared.
Now I know from your poem, and from a quick "Study" on google...
why this phenomenon occurred. It was awesome. Of course,
the Cardinals and Turtle Doves and other Birds were glad to have their Feeder back
undisturbed for the most part. Your Poem taught me a lot in a poetic way.
I thank you ever so much. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, delighted to pave the way for you to have your first physics lesson. So interesting to hear about the visit of starlings to your garden recently. I hope you are taking good care of yourselves. Looking forward to a very quiet but peaceful Christmas. Sending you best wishes.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Thank you Christine... May Peace and Love 💕 at Christmas bring Joy to your home. tenderly, Pat

[Gee]

Good morning Christine. Was listening to a fella on the radio the other day telling how the starlings were causing power outages due to the perfect synchronisation of their landing and taking off on pylon cables, these actions causing the cables to flex then short out when coming to close to each other.
They are a sight to behold when in flight aren't they :)
Good morning prisoner Shaw, hope you and your fellow inmates are keeping well.

[Chris Shaw]

You are right Gee, they are wondrous in flight. Didn't realise they could cause those sort of problems though. We live and learn. All the best.

[Patricia]

You are a very talented writer Christine. This is beautifully imagined by you to the reader, feeling like I was right there with you. Easy feelings, floating and flying with Gods creatures with your pen

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that lovely review Patricia. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Delmar Cooper]

"Bird brain" , indeed! I should smile at such a notion. There in flight is the "over soul", the transcendentalists' equivalent of the Northwest Passage. If ants could fly they would fly as starlings fly: the hive mind on wing, making silhouette patterns on the face of the clouds for those below to detect. Better left to the bird brain.

[Chris Shaw]

Thankyou Delmar. Awesome creatures they are. Totally mesmerising to watch. Your visit appreciated.

Chris

[.]

A beautiful poem on bird's characteristics. Yes they fly in a specific pattern and never try to outrun another. Nature is lofty and very organised, you see....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima, your reviews are always looked forward to. I appreciate your time and encouragement.

Much love.

[.]

It was entirely my pleasure and just I wrote a poem loosely based on this poem of yours:)

[Chris Shaw]

If I can inspire you, then that makes my day. I will take a look for sure.

Chris

[.]

How are you... Hope you are ok

[.]

Merry Christmas!

[Chris Shaw]

Just very busy Sima. Thank you for your Christmas greetings. Happy holidays to you too dear poet.read moreJust very busy Sima. Thank you for your Christmas greetings. Happy holidays to you too dear poet.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

what a delightful scene and setting .. those starlings fine examples of trust and abandon .. the contrast in your closing verse turns a bit cold in the realm of physics, filings and magnetism ... but it causes me to think about a control on those starlings ... what kind can it be to allow such freedom and seemingly random flight and patterns ... personally i would leave off the last verse .. wanting to stay in a dream state of flying .. you make the grays of winter a thing that has life, vibrancy and dance .. and in the end for me .. your last verse dives me deeper into even more fine flights of fancy and wonderment on a God Creator ... blessing on ya ;)............
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Mr E for sharing your thoughts here and for your advice re the final stanza which I am considering. You know having watched these scenes, I am in total awe of nature and what she gives us. Hope you are doing ok my friend. Take care of yourself.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Interesting alliterations in this one. I too have witnessed such displays in the sky, wondering how the birds know when to make these sudden, en masse changes of direction. Is one of them a drill sergeant who barks,"Column right, MARCH!" upon which all respond simultaneously? Probably not, but I pity the poor dyslexic creature who gets the signals mixed up and turns the wrong way. He won't even have the chance to say "pardon me."

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for checking this one out and for the smile you gave me. All good wishes.

read moreThank you John for checking this one out and for the smile you gave me. All good wishes.

Chris

[Haley]

Your words fit together so well, they are all so well chosen and placed which, I find hard especially with poetry. It's well written, creates great imagery, and a poem I want to reread!

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you on my page Haley. Thank you for such an encouraging review. All good wishes.
read morePleased to meet you on my page Haley. Thank you for such an encouraging review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Funny how things bring back memories from childhood... i had forgotten about iron filings too, and here i am tonight thinking about the physics lab and what was that teacher called ?

Starlings are my least favourite birds after crows ,i admit they do look a wonderful sight when in formation , but oh how cruel thay are to the little birds.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Stella. They aren't my favourite avian friend either, but their murmurations are awesome. So I took you back to the physics lab too :)) I can remember the name of our teacher. Taffy Evans, delightful old man. Dedicated to his subject, not one I enjoyed that much. Thank you for the visit. Hope you are OK.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

all good so far thank you Chris, i am quite enjoying hibernating to be honest :)

[Chris Shaw]

It does have some benefits :))

[Stella Armour]

Don't know what all the fuss is about , it has to be done so why rebel against it ?
This younger generation are so stupid and intolerant at times lol

[Chris Shaw]

They are the entitled, don't know much about sacrifice :)

[Stella Armour]

You are more diplomatic than i Chris ... "Spoilt" is my name for it haha

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha. That's the Yorkshire in you coming out :)) Say it like it is.

[Stella Armour]

Yes ... that's me haha :)