The plauful breeze
Tossed birds into the air
To soar with the currents
Swoop with the downdrafts
Gliding and pirouetting
Between the cliffs of the cove and the point
Where the sea cave channeled the waves through the jutting land.
Pelicans resembling vintage airplanes
Tried to land with
Wings out stretched like flaps
Feet down and extended like landing gear.
As the sun set
The feral wind pounced without warning
Clawing at the tablecloths set up for dinner
On the outdoor patio
Gas heaters no match for it’s cold fury.
Cloth napkins played keep away with the waiters
Who scurried from the restaurant
When they heard the sounds of
Tinkling glass breaking and
Tumbling silverware clanking.
Pedestrians shrank deeper into their hoodies
As the wind roared and pushed them up the hill faster
Beneath the cormorants, webbed feet locked,
On the swaying branches of the pine trees.
I enjoyed the imagery. It was comical at first as the wind was being playful, but turned to fury – a reminder of how the elements can take us by surprise.
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Thanks, I’m glad you liked the imagery too. I experienced it last Monday in La Jolla, CA near San Diego. I was surprised how quickly and strongly the wind changed from playful to purposeful.
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Whew, I feel like I’ve been caught in a storm. Nice job!
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Thanks. I kept playing with images in my mind and am pleased you liked it.
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I loved it! Heartfelt expanded view of what can be ordinary. 👍👍
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Thanks do much. Very glad you like it.
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I love the way this builds from the joyful wind to the feral, you’ve really captured its wildness Pat.
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Andrea, thanks. I tried and glad it worked. Appreciate your comments .
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This reminded me that I heard on a news report that Southern California is getting SNOW!! Your post confirms it. Nothing like the voice of experience. Stay warm!
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Thanks, Audrey. We spent a week in San Diego and there were days it was likely warmer in Virginia. The day we left, we had frost on the roof of the car. We were staying about 8-10 miles inland from the ocean. They have had over a foot of snow in the mountains to the east.
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[…] month I submitted poetry that had been posted to this blog. Titles included The Feral Wind, Assaulting the Beaches on Christmas Day, What Book is This, How Fast Are You?, and a few […]
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