Skien

Skien

 

Despite the temporary V shaped scar

they always leave behind

Now faded and invisible to the naked eye

 

The fact remains, they scythed

a very pretty swathe indeed and for a moment 

They left their signature across our star filled sky

 

Twas there and then; I swear they moved as one

Oh’ yes, they surely did my friend

and our beloved sky was no less perfect for them

 

Now they are gone

I need to find a purpose

I am cold and sense an early autumn …

 

Reviews

[AJNJ]

These impressions are beautiful. They made me think of the V-shapes of smoke left across the sky by our fighter jets, beautiful birds flying in various formations, leaving contrails of clouds. These images never fail to uplift me and your words took me there.

[Neville]

thank you for such an upwardly lifting comment my friend :)

[AJNJ]

You’re most welcome my friend :)

[Fay Slimm]

Sighting again this posting on bird migration I find more than viewing its beauty runs through your lines my dear friend - a poignancy ends this fine tribute to assigned purpose that birds in such flight possess so I am sending warmest of life-vibes to help your own search.............. x as ever..... Fay

[Neville]

Thanking you ever so kindly dear Fay .. from far, far away...

[Chris Shaw]

All your poetry reads well second time round, this one no exception. Focusing more this time round on your final stanza. Autumn has arrived and you are in a hot climate. More so you have stuff to look forward to. The future surely is more promising than when these lines were written.

Chris

[Neville]

second looks are always welcome and because of their scarcity, even more precious :)

[Chris Shaw]

:)).......................

[SabrinaM]

The beauty of the skies is just enriched tenfold by these beautiful migratory events. Have you noticed how these wonderful birds know just where to go? They're guided perhaps by something unseen. Scientific research has theories but I feel its god that tells them where to go. Their wise in sensing the seasons and knowing that strength lies in moving in numbers. For all these reasons, this poem was very interesting to read.

[Neville]

Yes... I am in awe of them and the wonders that drive them ..... Thank you my friend for visiting these words and for your own words of encouragement .. All Good Things,

Neville :)

[SabrinaM]

I see you have a great love for nature and that we share. Its wonderful to gaze at the skies and all that goes on there. Thank you.

[Neville]

You are absolutely write ...

[Chris Shaw]

Beautifully visual. The sight of migrating birds is awesome. The v shape they make fascinating. Always leaves a chill though, as you sense colder climes approaching. Skien? Is Norway the location of this write?

Chris

[Neville]

I wish I could tell ya just how much I appreciate this unexpected visitation but words for the moment, they do fail me... I dunno why so many migratory birds flew over me head the other evening... but there they were.. all heading into the sunset until it was too dark to see... I thought blimey.. is this the end of the world or summat.. coz that's what wildlife does innit when a major disaster is nigh.. it clears orf and sharpish like.. and then.. I thought .. maybe this spectacle is just for me... I still dont know the answer.. but anyway.. No.. although I have two very dear friends living in Norway and keep getting invites from them... Skien is the term for... aw come on our Chris... you know wot a skien is ….

Neville :)

[Chris Shaw]

You know nature is strange. If this happened the other night I would have thought that was weird as well. I have to confess, I have had to look up your title and now I am showing my ignorance. I now know what skein means. It should have been obvious really. I reckon that display was specially for you. Something memorable. Winter's a long way off. Summer's just starting.

Chris

[Neville]

Maybe.. we shall just have to wait and see.. thank you Chris :)

[Einstein Noodle]

of course the lilt of the language plucks me strings sir ... i hear them ... plaintiff calling ... sounding direction ... their flight as true a compass as the Great North Star ... the pleasure in memory just as your poem ... this blesses me .. yet your closing leaves me a bit melancholy ... and apprehensive .. and early Autumn ...and early Winter :( you be well sir! Finally enjoying the time to stop here at the Cafe' :) love the read ... when the geese are flying overhead at night ..it is magical ..
E.

[Neville]

Tis a mighty fine sight to behold here gene.. one is left wondering how amazing it must be around your neck o the woods.... Bless you my friend for stopping by....Stay safe n well now You & Yours.... Neville :))

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my brother ... we were on the fly way in SD and still here in the Ozarks ... its pretty amazing to me anyway .. i love their honking formations .. so fluid yet structured ;)

[Neville]

they nearly killed me and my dog last year on their way back to ya when they dropped hundreds of apples on us.. I know your gonna ask where did they get them from.. well I can honestly say I dont know coz it wasn't market day and the stores were all closed :)))) n then some :)))

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahahaha yer slippin' me a crippler now wit da horse cherries for sure

[Neville]

there were dozens of them falling outa da sky.. bigger than cherries.. more like crab apples I guess.. if I had been hit.. I might not be here typin this to ya …. say nuttin :)))

[Einstein Noodle]

ok....true dat den :)))))))))))))))))))

[Lorry]

This hurt my head for a bit this fine Monday morn Neville, as there are two similar words up here in Scotchland, skein and skean... As in skean dhu.
As skean dhu leaves a more permanent mark, on someones face no doubt (it's the dagger woorn in the sock with a kilt, i reckon this is about birdies.
It is a pretty majestic sight seeing all those Canadian geese come here on their holidays. They don't mind the weather and just love the patter.
Your words portray that brushed out blue of a day not unlike today, which is beautiful for its non greyness which is more the norm.
I really do feel sorry for the one in front though. How they manage to unfold their map in that wind I'll never know 😀

[Neville]

If I could award marks for making me chuckle, you would certainly be in the running squire.... Your punchline today sure did tickle me wotsit .... as for them other wotsits da skean dhu .. I have a small but fine collection of old uns mesen sir.... am still smiling when I think of that poor old lead goose :)

[Lorry]

It's funnier if you picture it wearing flying goggles and a white silk scarf flapping back into the second one's eyes 😀

[Neville]

Oh' man that reminds me of that old Manfred Man song 'blinded by the flight' imagined.. now gonna have to tell the missus I just spilled me Perrier down me derriere :)

[alanwgraham]

Great poem Neville and as with most great poetry there's a message in there for us.. We live in Fife that attracts hundreds of thousands of geese to overwinter. Every day huge skeins (spelling?) fly over our house. It is truly awe inspiring. My only sonnet is about geese migrating and that felt nearly as hard as flying to greenland!
Remember, you are limited to gather in groups of up to 600 and only as far as Durham.
My advice - move to God's own country.
Cheers, alan

[Neville]

Hey Alan, good to hear from you my friend.. Many thanks indeed for the encouraging and educational invite.. Hope you & the family are all well, Cheers,

Neville

[Papaya]

This reminds me of our snowbird air shows. Always impressive

[Neville]

wow snowbird air shows.. aerial poetry in motion.. I am truly honoured Ana.. bless you my friend :)