NATURE'S ENGINE ROOM

[Jeff Thorpe]

A poem written after watching the incoming tide and the sunset at Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast in winter this year.

The near full tide is creeping like a shadow cross the sand,
its frothy edges sliding up the beach,
almost to the dunes, standing guard to countermand
with healthy vegetation out of reach.

And as this scene's unfolding, there's another right on cue,
the sun is sinking slowly in the sky,
going through the motions to bid the day adieu
posting colours no one can deny.

Everything is glowing, sand still showing, sky and sea,
a kaleidoscope before my very eyes,
the greatest show on earth and I am seeing it for free
from front row seat, I feel I've won first prize.

Blue and grey and purple, pink and touch of orange too,
this spectacle almost defies description,
and yet, this is a ritual on show most days to view,
performance having no need for subscription.

Nature working hard, exceeding all mankind can tender,
where all in witness should become enchanted.
It's just a pity though that in a world with so much splendour,
nearly all take sights like this for granted.

Jeff Thorpe, July 2010 ©

[Irene]

Hi Jeff
Great poem - sunsets are certainly a beautiful sight to watch!!

Catchya
IRene

[Zondrae]

G;day Jeff,

Wow, that is my kind of poem. There is nothing more utterly soul refreshing that the beauty of nature. Not only have you stopped to observe but you have been able to express it in words to share with others. I am searching for the exact word.... Memorable seems too little. There is a comp I have seen somewhere that this would be suitable for. If I come across it I'll pm you the details. In any case there are many comps around and you may find you would do well with this one.

[Jeff Thorpe]

G'day Irene & Zondrae

Thanks for your encouragement. I still remember that day as if it was yesterday and the poem does not do justice to the combined show of the tide and the setting sun.

Regards, Jeff

[Maureen K Clifford]

Natures own slideshow - perfectly captured and executed - no need of captions or YouTube. Mother Nature is a pretty smart old chook isn't she. Your words have captured the scene beautifully Jeff - and I love Peregian beach and Coolum - spent many happy hours there - thanks for reviving the memories.

Cheers

Maureen

[Neville Briggs]

Well done Jeff.

You said the poem doesn't do it justice, and that the scene defies description. I'll be my usual annoying self , your job as a poet is to do it justice. And it must not defy your description !! you're a poet, you will describe it.

A great subject. Very hard to do well I think, but you have done a good job.



Neville

[Jeff Thorpe]

Hi Maureen

Thanks for your kind words. It is a beautiful area around Peregian and Coolum isn't it. We usually go to the southern Gold Coast or northern NSW (because it's closer to us) but, thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Peregian.

G'day Neville

Glad you liked the poem whether the "justice" was there or not.

Cheers, Jeff