Unruffled

swans apparently are happy in either salt or freshwater

autumnal sunlight finds
five mute swans sleeping soundly
on an inner harbour slipway
where salty sea water creeps
closer by the minute leaving
cobbled stones wet

long necks stretch as
heads and beaks hide within
their feathered white plumped up
soft on touch pillowed plumage
comfortable and by all accounts
completely soundproof

oblivious to any movement
or screams from screeching seagulls
overhead while their brown coated
young wait grounded and greedy
yet keeping a safe distance from
those in deep sleep

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Reading the poem, I couldn't help thinking how trusting those swans are to be asleep so soundly out there with screeching seagulls overhead, the sea in constant upheaval and perhaps a noisy harbour.
Their sleep is sound and undisturbed regardles of their surroundings.
I wish I slept unruffled like that always....
As always, you take your reader with you to the scene, I fill myself with the beauty of those moments I glimpse through your words.

[Chris Shaw]

Like you DIVYA I am envious of the swans who have the ability to sleep through the din of their surroundings. Such beautiful creatures, full of grace. Thank you for your encouraging review. 🌺

[AYVID N]

it's my pleasure. dear Chris!

[John the Baptist]

Sounds like a moment of real life observed. Animals have that innate ability of being just who they are, without putting on airs, whereas humans often feel required to keep up appearances. The swans are comfortable anywhere, just doing what is natural to them. They probably won't have a career in politics.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Yes a few moments of observation by the harbour while on holiday. Unusual to see them near salt water, but they are just as comfortable in the shelter of a harbour as they are on the river. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

With the exception of the sapsucker which kills trees, I am inclined to birds in general.
We have, above the M bed headboard, a pe-marital painting, of my now wife feeding the swans at Stanley Park.
you have done them justice
beautiful birds

[Chris Shaw]

What a beautiful painting that must be of your wife feeding the swans. They are magnificent creatures Dave. Thank you for your lovely review. We are having a beautiful sunny autumn so far. All the best.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

An artist can easily paint the beautiful images you have rendered in your words. A gorgeous portrait in words. And a wonderful piece of poetry as well, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Carlos I am always encouraged by your thoughtful reviews as I do try hard to get the imagery right in my poems. I do like to transfer what I see to the reader. Thank you so much for your visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I love the sound of the sea. I was station in Monterey, California in 1992-1994. You could hear the sea lions and seals singing the whole nights. The seagulls in Monterey were polite. A lot of food to be ate. A wonderful poem shared dear Chris. You took me to Monterey. Our Michigan lake birds are too brave. They will take the food from your hands.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote, I was pleased my poem took you to Monteray, a special place for you. Thank you for sharing that place with me. I love the ocean as much as I love the river. I find them both spiritually calming. I smiled at your polite seagulls. Ours are not so well mannered :) Thank you dear friend.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Our Michigan birds will join you for dinner. You are welcome dear Chris.

[Elaine]

I'm seeing this, there on the bank of water, watching them glide and observing how those around respond! I enjoyed this write. Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Elaine for a first visit. Very happy you stopped by to share your thoughts about this poem. All good wishes.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

For those who Caress the Opera… I think of The Swan Song… which is a beautiful way to leave a time when greener Pastures are more comfortable… the demure quiet water with petals softly falling… 💗 lovely… gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

You reminded me Pat of Swan Lake and how I would dance to its delightful music as a twelve year old. I never went to ballet lessons, but my best friend did, and she taught me to dance and express myself creatively with my arms and hands. Thank you for taking me back there in your lovely review. Petals on water, so beautiful.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

Seven Silver Swans Swam Silently Seaward... tongue twister aside, I love the serenity of this poem. Yes, gulls screech and swoop and people scurry along, but the swan is always serene. Such a lovely tribute to one of nature's beautiful creatures.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Zoe for that wonderful alliteration. Yes swans are serene and the seagulls, the opposite. I appreciate your thoughts very much and delighted you stopped by. All the best.

Chris

[Temperance]

So many of your poems have such a relaxing flow to them..as does this one. Add that to the beauty of the swans and your imagery and I truly enjoyed reading this. Nice work, as usual, my friend. Temp

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Temp. Pleased you find a relaxing flow in my poetry and I do try hard to capture imagery in my writes. Pleased you noticed that and I thank you for both your visit and encouragement. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[Temperance]

You’re welcome and thank you. Temp

[Ken e Bujold]

there is a tranquility that comes from watching swans, unlike their more troublesome cousins, geese, and ducks, their graceful ways never fail to transfix my mind. You capture the moment so well Chris, thanks for the bit of sunny light this morning. Even mother nature is impressed as she has sent a nice crisp sunny day this way as well

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear you have had some sun. I so agree with you about swans. Magnificent creatures. So elegant and graceful as they glide on water. Intelligent too. They can remember people and kindness, much the same way elephants do. Thank you Ken for your encouragement. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

you most welcome my dear. I had a nice sunny day, no sense of foreboding, though may not show in todays posting...I had a splendiferous time

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear. Splendiferous is the way to go. Can't get better than that. I hope the new day is just as good :)

[Dave]

You do such a triute to these gorgeous birds. I live near a park that has two an d I've spent much time watching them glide across the water. Thank you for sharing.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

They are so beautiful to watch. Elegant and graceful and such good parents to their young as well. Pleased you enjoyed this poem Dave and good to hear you have swans near you too. All the best.
.

Chris