Monday, March 10, 2008

Lulls in the Storm



Lulls in the storm, her
Gusting breaths--

                  Hawks screeching rain
                  Waves on the tide

Thundering sinews
Gallop red--

                  Legs buckle maimed
                  Mountains inside

Predators leaping
Teeth lick flesh--

                  Prey without pain
                  Silently cry

12 comments:

Chris Eldin said...

That's one of my favorite photographs. This is off topic, but do you ever plan to put together a book of your photos?

Your line "Gallop red" touches on the topic I have on my blog today.

Love the last two lines in particular!
Very nice!

Aine said...

As much as I enjoy the excitement of a stormy season, I'm ready for the warm, breezy days of spring.

I can't help but think of the Byrds' song: "To everything there is a season..."

Love the photo!
:)

SzélsőFa said...

I like the photo, too!
I think there are more than one predators in this poem and the actions happening are taking place through one tiny slice of time. It is well captured. This is my reading...

JaneyV said...

Beautiful Photo Jason. I looked at it first with out my glasses and in my myopic squint I thought I was looking at the stormy sea...then I spotted the tree and went to find my specs!

I love your words too. I don't pretend to get it all but then that's the kind of poetry I like - the kind that asks you to read it again and again and each time shows you something new.

"Thundering sinews
Gallop red--"

I see lightning forks reflecting the colours of the sky as they go to ground. What was your intention?

WH said...

The short lines are most effective for the subject. Excellent work.

david mcmahon said...

Arresting work, Jason. And what a great photograph.

Ello - Ellen Oh said...

That is an amazing photo! Love it!

The poem is excellent - I love how you used indentation to powerful effect.

Anonymous said...

Christine, that was a cool post today on your blog! Too bad I can't claim that skill. As for a Clarity of Night-type book, I'd love to. Here and there I squirrel away photos that I feel are a cut above these. Maybe I'll have my chance. The problem is there aren't enough hours in the day!!

Aine, yes, the seasons are changing. I know it's for the better.

Szelsofa, this picture was a curious one. I liked the effect. And I like your reading!

Janey, it IS like an ocean, now that you mention it. :) I am so tempted to tell you all what had in mind, but I should take my own advice about that sort of thing. I'm giving the poem to you. If you find something in there meaningful, then I don't want to disturb it.

Billy, thanks, my friend. Sometimes I get swept away by the power of short lines.

David, great to see you! Thanks for the kind words. The sky is an endless fascination for me.

Ello, yes, the indentations make the lines physically look like asides, or appositive phrases. I needed some distance to stop the lines from running together.

Unknown said...

The branches of the tree resemble arms thrust aloft, desperately beckoning to the sky to bring the relief that was promised, some warmth and some light.

I just realize that I've had a full year of winter - 12 full months spent on those parts of the planet tilted away from the sun. It is time for renewal, revival, rebirth, to rise from the mute and grey ashes, to burst through the numbing permafrost, to break out of the crystalline chrysalis of winter.

The planet swivels; I feel it coming...

Anonymous said...

EOH, inspired words. Twelve months of winter...I shudder just to think of that. You are due for some direct sunlight! Yes, let's get to it already.

Anonymous said...

lovely words...you have crafted it wonderfully along with the beautiful photo!

Anonymous said...

Flyingstars, thank you for the kind words. :) And welcome!