Sunday 27 April 2014

NaPoWriMow Day 27 – an ekphrastic poem

Day 27
A lot of poetry prompters like to inspire an ekphrastic poem – a poem inspired by or about a work of art. I tend to use my own photographs, since most artwork is copywritten.


High Waters

Mother Nature is a powerful force
as rivers flow down its speedy course
her fury manifests in blowing rain
melting snow that fails to drain

dread seeps into my weary soul
along the river we cannot stroll
cold, white, rushing water flows
as bitter wind on water blows

what did we do to deserve this weather
we shiver in fear and huddle together
roiling water boils and lathers
basements flood as water gathers

recover we must as water recedes
for flora and fauna my heart it bleeds
kindness of strangers in helping hands
as all begin to clear the lands




Flooding Mississippi River 2014 from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
You can see it is lowering, also the high water mark as evidenced from the debris on the shore. The swallows are happily dancing on the fast, high water at the latter part of the video.



We took a drive into Carleton Place to pick up a water barrel, and passed through Mississippi Mills. I was driving, and veered off to look at Mississippi Lake. The horror of flooding and high water, and the dank smell of mould haunts me. Not only that, but the tragic ferry incident in South Korea just gives me the shivers.

 It seems as if the media has abandoned those in southern Ontario affected by flooding. While the water has gone down, it's still pretty high for many families. Those who simply cottage there are far less affected than those who live there, for many cottages don't have basements.

 


10 comments:

Naquillity said...

water can be such a peaceful thing until it encroaches on one's living space. those waters look quite high to me even with it receding some. i'm sorry for any damages or loss your property or others have endured. love your tribute poem. happy sunday~

Red said...

I used photos for a prompt. I cut up a lot of old calendars.

Louisette said...

Terrible the strong of the natuur :)

have a good evening:)


(¯`v´¯) From Belgium .`·.¸.·´ Wonderfull Sunday
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William Kendall said...

The flood shots are quite harrowing... and it's not done yet...

Hilary said...

So much damage. Natures force can be so frightening.

EG CameraGirl said...

What a shame the water is so high!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Appropriate words for horrendous conditions. Praying for you that it resolves quickly... YAM xx

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I had not heard a thing about the flooding. What a nightmare.

I love your poem.

Debbie said...

you don't really understand the impact, until you see it yourself. the impact of super storm sandy on the jersey shore was unmeasurable!!

Kay said...

This has been such a difficult year, weatherwise. It's been unusual in Hawaii and definitely different in Illinois.