For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers. I apologise for the extra word and promise to use just 99 next week!
I wrote this piece back in 2008 and never got around to using it! So, here goes….
.
.
.
Sea still
Water calm
The calm before the storm
Captain frowns
Trawler drifts
Drifts toward the dawn.
.
Black clouds
Heavy sky
A sky of leaden grey
Eerie silence
Deathly quiet
Quiet starts the day
.
Then sheeting rain
A blinding light
The blinding lightning’s flash
A sudden wind
A roaring noise
The noise of thunder’s crash
.
A sudden fall
A dizzy rise
Tipping left then right
Atop a wave
Deep in a trough
God save them from their plight
.
The storm abates
The gale subsides
The gale, the waves, the rain
So back to work
They’ll work until
Foul weather strikes again.
.
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Click Froggie to see what others have written!
‘
PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
Great poem Keith.
Thanks, Sadje.
You’re welcome 😉
The eternal rhythm of the sea
Indeed. Cheers, Neil.
This is wonderful, Keith (and you needn’t have mentioned the extra word… none of us would have noticed!)
Now you tell me! Thanks, Dale, and ta for the picture too!
Hahaha! And you know you are most welcome!
Hey … how about counting words instead of counting sheep LOL
I just had to … sorry Keith. ❤️
Nicely done Keith. Mother Nature likes top remind us now and then that we’re only here as long as she allows it.
Thanks, Iain, that’s so true.
Moments of tension and fear as men battle both the storm and sea. Who would want to be a fisherman out on a cruel sea?
Not me, that’s for sure! I get queasy in a pedalo!
Ah the life of a seafarer. Impossible to imagine they ever get used to it, but they probably do. I like the way you read this, Keith. Glad you decided to share it at FF.
They often span generations. Thanks for your kind words, Lisa.
You’re very welcome, Keith. A couple of my great great uncles used to work the ships that sailed The Great Lakes. I remember they used to stay at my grandparent’s house when they were home on leave. Not quite the ocean but lots of big waves for sure. The generations after them went to work in the factories or on the rails.
Excellent poetry Keith. The cycle continues…eh.
Indeed it does! Thanks, Suzette.
Amen!
Indeed!
I’m imaging this as a sea shanty? Swabbing the decks after the storm has passed.
I like it,
Tracey
You’ve given me an idea Tracey!
Yo ho, that makes me smile.
Hard work and love the rhythm, I started to seasick)
Oh dear, sorry about that!
))))
it just meant that the rhythm felt authentic
I know, only kidding!
Well done! I could feel the tipping back and forth.
Hold tight, Mimi!
Excellent Keith. Really enjoyed reading that.
Thanks so much, Sandra. Heading your way now!
Dear Keith,
I could feel the waves and wind, hear the thunder and see the lightening. I’m pretty sure I felt water splash my face and tasted salt. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
A nicer reaction I could not have wished for! Thanks, Rochelle.
great poem. one of your best. 🙂
Thanks, plaridel, poetry is not my preferred form of writing so I’m pleased you liked it!
I loved hearing you read this. It added so much to your wonderful tale.
That’s so kind of you Alicia, thank you.
Just as I’m reading this, my radio is playing a sea shanty. How’s that for coincidence? The poem works without a backing track, however. The rhythm and shape tell the story well.
Perfect timing! Thanks so much for your generous words, Margaret.
Very dramatic, and no doubt true of the tides of fisherfolk out at sea
I imagine it is. Thank you so much.
Love this, Keith!
I’m pleased, thanks so much, Liz.
A lovely poem that seemed to be going up and down with the waves!
I hoped it might! Thanks so much, Dahlia.
This is so good Keith, the rhythm, the rise the fall the tension, just brilliant 🙌
Lovely poem about life at sea. I always enjoy the readings you do.
Have a great weekend … Isadora 😎
Oh, I really enjoyed this, Keith!
Nicely evocative, Keith. Beautiful flow.
I love this!
Great poem and how serendipitous that this photo prompt gives occasion to share it.
Gorgeous
And totally worthy of that extra word!