Flood

this new year brings in
a swollen fat bellied Thames
unable to contain his over gorging
on plentiful winter rain
falling falling
relentless falling

he belched

his belly burst in a fit of pique
a stretch too far for fast flowing
manic moving water
as trouser belt gave way
spilling out on sandy park
and the fields of the flood plain

while river remained raging
seething and speeding downstream
flooded fields transformed
into a scene of wonderland
or should i say wonderlakes
where willow trees bathed
knee deep

so serene in mirror glass stillness
reflected cold blue sky
with a whisper of white cloud
as a multitude of majestic swans
glide by with geese in perfect
harmony

they have found their heaven
so have i as i stand nearby
watching as they swim towards
wooden fencing separating
the garden of mum and dad’s former
cardinal close home

what would they make of this
i thought
caught up in the reverie
of a one off occasion

Reviews

[Poetic Beauty]

Rains and snow melting causing flooding of near by ground. It consuming all that it touches. Quite the sight to behold

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you PB. Can be beautiful to look at on the flood plain, but can also devastate lives. A double edged sword.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

Many things in nature are breathtaking and beautiful to behold while they are creating devastation

[Ken Simm.]

I love the personification of old man Thames. I live on the side of a mountain. Apparently thats why the Scots are so glib. We can stand on our mountains and watch the rest of you drown during global warmings. Actually we will lose all our cities when that happens.
Excellent piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Ha! I like your sense of humour Ken. Thanks for the smile. Pleased you enjoyed this poem.

Chris

[Relic]

Thank goodness it's only a one-off. Nice personification with this, Chris. Rivers overflowing can be dangerous things here in the U.S. (or anywhere for that matter).

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tim. Yes, rivers can be extremely dangerous. The spillage on to the flood plain is more a nuisance, but a very beautiful one. Hope you are ok.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

he belched and his belly burst
how perfectly descriptive
I just came across this poetic flood description which mirrors the same scenario in our area, which is currently suffering the effects of an "overhead river flow," however, I'd be surprised if the poor souls who have been driven out of their homes have nearly as pleasant a reflective response as your fine poetic interpretation.
but
as usual
very nicely done
Stay dry

[Chris Shaw]

Always two sides to a story Dave. Beauty and the beast. I know a woman who lives close to the Thames who had her home flooded. Not at all pleasant, but the playing fields and the lakes certainly looked breathtaking. Hope all is good with you. Happy Sunday.

Chris

[peter Charlesworth]

So poetic about a river in flood

We live on a hill in a land of mountains, rivers, and lakes
Heavy rain, rivers flood and flow into the swollen lake' The out flow spreads out to flood the fields and towns River bridges closed for safety

Idiots dive across the swollen river > Well It is heavy and can go anywhere >> The river is deep across the ford
a temporary road sign said ROAD CLOSED AHEAD > the ford is wide
Their go any where car was washed down the river
The passenger's escaped = soaking wet - the car sailed on to an even deeper spot and sank
I wonder what the insurers said

Can I go to play with the kids toy collecton > Please

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Peter, I saw the beautiful part of the floods. Not far away was the other side, where homes were flooded. And you are so right, they bring danger too. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

Chris happy new hopefully for the better, this write struck a cord as you know I once was homeless, I passed Xmas and the new year with an apartment I now live been on this site not sure but ill say 24 years give or take, I enjoy your work but sometimes I don't understand your meaning but I love you words because as many times I go back a read I get a different view now if you're just throwing words together to see the outcome, you've got me because you got me wondering if its just a flood or just a heads up to be above water.
Thank you for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mauricio, a belated happy new year my friend. My poem is open to any interpretation. It is indeed about the river Thames flooding the land. I like what you saw in it. Trying to keep your head above water, because for some whose homes have flooded, that’s exactly how they will be feeling. A misery of a start to the new year for them. River burst can cause destruction, but can also look so beautiful. And the park and playing fields were turned into lakes, gleaming in the sunlight. Your reviews are always much appreciated.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

You see I got it wrong but I love your writing because it brings the best of us.

[Chris Shaw]

You didn’t get it wrong dear friend. You saw what you saw and felt what you felt and that is fine by me:) There is no wrong or right here. Poetry is subjective:)

[Writergurl]

Wonderful write here, I found it lovely really.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you writergurl for stopping by. So pleased you enjoyed the read. All the best to you.

Chris

[Shweta]

Feels like going on with this one.

The start with "swollen fat bellied Thames", the personification hooks the reader to it.

Loved the write, to say the least!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Schwetz for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. I appreciate you.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Really lovely, Chris. One of your finest I would say. I particularly like the personalization of the aside in “or wonderlakes should I say.”

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for such encouragement Winston. I appreciate your visit and your time. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

I am watching a three part series on PBS about three great rivers .. The Nile, Amazon and the Mississippi. your poem instantly reminded me of them. Rivers shape the land ... draw people and animals to them .. flood plains create a whole new world of beauty .. and changes for those whose homes are taken up by them .. especially appreciate your reminiscence of your parents .. what they think of it now they are gone ... those on earth .. have shattered lives by such catastrophes .. kind of a beautiful thing from the perspectives "beyond the veil" ...
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E. Yes there were homes flooded and destruction, not that far away, but I chose to write about the serene. Incredibly beautiful and a reminder that nature rules. You can try and tame her, but ……. Lovely to have a visit from you. I hope all is good.

Chris