I walked by the river
Where it is usually so quiet and peaceful.
Crazy kids on motorbikes sounded
Like trapped bluebottles in a summer kitchen,
But the January light was still beautiful.
Jackdaws wheeled above with their sharp cries
And there were dead rabbits among the puddles,
Victims of weasels or foxes or who knows what.
Suddenly a jet-fighter ripped the sky open with a loud scream.
A gun went off, some enthusiast shooting
At the jackdaws or rabbits.
Then silence again.
Strong imagery and sensory effect. Hard to relax on a walk like that. Hopefully you got to write the poem somewhere where it was nice and quiet and calm. -chuck
A walk by the river, something so usually good and restorative to the spirit... Life changes, yes, but sometimes one can go back. A matter of fact tone makes the loss of peace all the more clear and sad... Esther
I like that you mention some of the nastier things about country living, John. This you do with the same rich and visual language as in the rest of the poem. I also like the poem's peaceful finish. You've carried me into this landscape, John. It stands vividly before my eyes. I can hear the noises there as well. 10/10. Regards, Gina.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Powerful images that I can relate to My friend. perhaps as a poet I am on the same wavelength.