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#WDYS: Image credit: Paul Berry | Unsplash

What Do You See: The Birds

from the hotel window I saw them
stretched as far as my eyes could see
hundreds covered the bay like black ink
bopping up and down on the receding sea

as if paused for a cue from heaven
they lifted with the flowing swell
from the east to the west they circled,
and goodness, what a torrent of noise befell

squawking like splintering wood, the flock,
flew wild like a prodigious storm
soon as the sky purpled then reddened
the mob flew but sunk me in a mad maelstrom

© selma


A response to Sadje’s challenge #Whatdoyousee #225 – February 12, 2024

Sadje: For the visually challenged reader, this image shows a waterfront, in the
background, the sun is setting and you can see a huge flock of birds in formation
(murmuration).

Thank you for reading, friends.

Selma Martin
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This Post Has 37 Comments

  1. dorahak

    Such a sight really can affect us so easily, and uneasily, nature pulling us into her “maelstrom.” Beautifully written, my friend. 🤗🙏🏾😀

    1. Selma Martin

      Omen. Sometimes nature scares. And the weirdness lingers long. Sometimes.
      That photo made me think of the book: The Birds by Daphne du Maurier. That’s what gave those three stanzas wings.
      So happy you read my friend. Thanks for the encouragement.

    1. Selma Martin

      Sort of Daphne du Maurier, ¿no?
      Sort of. 😂 thanks for visiting Maggie.

  2. Sadje

    It does reminds my of the movie, birds. Well done my friend on writing this so well and creating the atmosphere so well. Thanks for joining in.

    1. Selma Martin

      Yes, yes. Daphne du Maurier book, The Birds came to mind when I saw that photo. Thanks, Sadje. Blessings.

      1. Sadje

        You’re welcome my friend.

  3. VJ

    It is an incredible sight to see – well captured in your words.

    1. Selma Martin

      Incredible when such sight appears on peaceful days. “Some days must be dark and dreary” ~HWL

      and scary too.

      Thanks VJ 👏🏽

      1. VJ

        Tones of Alfred Hitchcock, lol?

  4. rajkkhoja

    Indeed sound!

      1. rajkkhoja

        Most welcome, Selma

  5. Laura Bloomsbury

    “like splintering wood,” superb simile for this sunset murmuration

    1. Selma Martin

      I’m so pleased you chose that simile. I liked it too. Thanks for checking out this one kinda dreary and dark.
      Be well. Bless you

  6. Robbie Cheadle

    Beautifully done, Selma. I can visualize the the scene.

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks so much. I don’t often go this route but sometimes one cannot help one’s pen’s direction.

      Daphne du Maurier-ish, ¿no?
      Don’t answer that 😜
      Thanks, Robbie

  7. Annika Perry

    Selma, a terrific sense of darkness and doom in this poem; I’m getting goosebumps reading this, your imagery is superb, ensuring all our senses are brought into play. Well done!

    1. Selma Martin

      I went a little on the dark side with this one—Daphne du Maurier, sort of doom. Hope you can recover from this quickly. Blessings. Thanks for liking it. Xoxo

  8. KK

    A lovely poem, Selma! Its verses go very well with the image.

    1. Selma Martin

      I thought they did too. Usually sunsets are gorgeous and leave happy feels. This time those birds gave me a doomsday scare.
      Thanks for reading KK. Blessed be. XO

      1. KK

        You’re welcome, always 🙏

  9. Mason Bushell

    A wonderful, vivid poem just perfect for the picture, well done.

    1. Anonymous

      Mason I’m so happy you liked it. Blessings xxoo Selma

  10. Belladonna

    I love this photo, so beautiful! Great poem as always!

    1. Anonymous

      Blessed by you. Xxoo, Selma

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for the visit lovely friend. Hope all is well. Blessing you.

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