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 😊

[Tepo]

Loved the imagery
Been fortunate enough to witness this spectacular
So well written
A superb read

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tepo. It surely is a wondrous sight. I appreciate your visit and thoughts.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

this brings to mind the winter flocks which seem so much larger than at any other time of year
It is Blackcap Chickadees for us and we have a flock in the hundreds in the trees around and diving down into the back yard for feed
A wonderful image brought to poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that very encouraging review Dave. All good wishes.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so good, Chris and could easily be six separate poems, which maybe they are, yet you spliced them together to tell a story.
Clouds can burst, people can burst as well...
They hover on that brink of insanity...and some just start pouring out the craziness....
I really like "paper patterns in physics"---
I like that image...there is a lot of bending and shaping in physics, but there is also the same with people....bending, not breaking or bending and then bursting...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I really like your take on my lines Jacob and thank you so much for your encouraging review. I did spend a bit more time crafting this one.

Chris