Tilted to Red

(Someone’s misfortune)

it’s not until the tide
sweeps in at the break of day
salt water rising
that reality hits home
you are sunk
in the harbour basin
well and truly
as most of your cabin roof
is submerged beneath sea slime
and your once proud mast
is no longer upright
but tilted port side
waiting to drown
in misery

Author's Note

Starboard is green
port side is red

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

I find it politically appropriate that port side is red, and I'm sure Comrade Marx agrees, wherever he is. Not sure is this one is a metaphor for something else or not. In truth, to me it sounds like either a siege of depression or a hangover.

[Chris Shaw]

No depression or hangovers here John. Just a yacht that sunk in the harbour at Brixham when the tide swept in over night. Sad to see and probably heartbreaking for the owners. Have a good Monday.

Chris

[NormaZ]

I love the imagery of a person sinking in the sea as a boat sinking, also the end, once proud mast tilting resonates with me, I can relate to feeling a little tilted myself at times!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Norma for sharing your thoughts. Have a great Monday.

Chris

[keith]

navigational channel markers match ups ...
red right returning (port)
green right going (starboard)
ezzy peezy!

fly bridge (up topside)
cockpit (aft deck)
bow (foredeck)

man i love boat talk

again your offering trigger memories of many many days on the waters around the world
how do you do that? how do you know?
not certain what women's priorities are but if guessing? family
but men? in order ...
dog(s)
truck
tools
boat
everything else is gravy
we are but complicatedly simple

thank you my friend poetess from across the pond

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Keith. You certainly have more knowledge on boat talk than I do, however I do enjoy boating. Haven’t seen you on wc for a while.Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[keith]

appreciate it chris
my time and contributions will diminish as the political chaos continues it's attacks on democracy.
i stand tall in this time of 'jaws of extremist'.
our s**t has hit the fan
best to ya mate!

[Chris Shaw]

Take care but call in once in a while. Yes the s**t has truly hit the fan in the last couple of days.

[Mauricio Montoya]

red means we lose but your words are what we want to see, I find joy to read what you share because if I cant read I will never find what is deep inside.thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mauricio. I am so pleased that you are enjoying reading my poetry. Have a great Monday. read moreThank you Mauricio. I am so pleased that you are enjoying reading my poetry. Have a great Monday.

Chris

[Neville]

.. I now see what you mean Chris .. and your nautical knowledge aint as bad as you make out .. is it .. colour coordinated too, heave ho. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Aw thanks Neville, you are far too kind. My nautical knowledge is pretty limited. However I do know port side from starboard. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[jaye river]

i always adore the vivid imagery in your poetry and this is no exception!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you jaye. Your review is very encouraging. I do try to work hard on the imagery in my poems.

Chris

[D. Mansfield]

Navigating the Missouri River as a young man, I was taught a very simple way to stay in the channel, "left of red, right of green" that has kept me off the sandbars and alot of times in the bars lol

[D. Mansfield]

Navigating the Missouri River as a young man, I was taught a very simple way to stay in the channel, "left of red, right of green" that has kept me off the sandbags, and alot of times in the bars lol

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks DM. Your thoughtful review made me smile. All the best.

Chris

[Richard M]

Hi Chris, I am very much attracted to a poem's title; in curiosity. The title of your poem intrigued me and drew me in. Well written and your descriptions very strong and vivid.
Take care my friend.
Richard

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Richard. Lovely to have a visit from you. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hope you are both happy and well.

Chris

[nadia dmitri]

Such a nice piece, I love the line "that reality hits home, you are sunk" so impactful. Great job :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Nadia. Pleased fo your visit and your thoughts. Have a lovely day.

Chris