ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Close Call

Fingers of fire lit the billowing sail as cruel lightning divided the skies—
in furling the jib I was struck, and saw droplets of brightness explode in my eyes.
Out in the ether the gods were disturbed and now Neptune was waging a war;
for miles there was blackness – no comforting lights from a vessel, nor glimpse of a shore.
Life flashed before me as if I were dying - my thoughts turned to you once again;
how once you'd brought flowers, vowed faithfulness, love – but I’d turned it from promise to pain.
Songs mother taught me came strangely to mind as I fought to regain my control
of quivering rudder, and prayed for support from the heavens while pledging my soul.
Doggedly singing, yet sobbing in terror - incensed at my possible fate,
I screamed as I struggled, while deities raged and I willed the vile storm to abate.
Merciless wind thrashed the durable yacht, plus that powerful, merciless rain—
resilient and stoic she battled the odds, yet was showing the obvious strain.
Fighting alone through those chilling dark moments, I knew I must get out alive—
a chance to make peace, to create a new start, if I managed to simply survive.
Shattered and bruised I endured till the end, till at last with the glimmer of dawn,
Poseidon stepped in, calmed the eddying waves - and I marvelled at all I had borne—
fell to the deck in exhaustion and wept at my surely astounding reprieve,
then rose with deep gratitude, feeling new purpose I’d formerly failed to perceive...
Rather than churning, malevolent ocean, now sun rose magnificently—
and standing in wonder I watched it reflect on that ancient, now quieting sea.

Excellent Catherine
Very descriptive, and the story really comes to life as you read.
I was really impressed by the setting you chose for your poem,
a raging storm lashed ocean allows a good writer a lot of scope, and you're certainly one of those.

I also really enjoyed reading your poem Catherine.

Cheers

Terry

Thank you so much Terry for your very warm and touching words, which mean a lot! I'm so glad you liked the poem.

WOW! Impressive write Catherine and a wonderful use of the prompts - certainly something different which you have pulled together very well. Every line punched above its weight IMO - Well done you

Thank you so much, Maureen!

Hi Catherine

Great action tale - and I like the personal touch of an unresolved love issue which lends poignancy to the fear of the possible fate in store.

Great stuff!

Cheers
Shelley

Thank you too, Shelley! x