Home » Poems » Keith Bickerstaffe » Chrysaora Quinquecirrha

Chrysaora Quinquecirrha

Camouflaged and coruscating, skating in their see-through costumes, part of the ocean's bold militia, shuffling, you send them on their way. Chrysaora Quinquecirrha, jellyfish abound and flounder 'neath the surface smooth as glass, they pester and you're irritated, epidermis penetrated, howling, you hobble to the shore. Deeper still the riptide churns, it's learned the tales of tragedy as you pursue the ocean blue with rubber rafts and play toys, do not cheat the warning buoy, listen for its tell-tale sounds, the bottom of the sea is out of bounds.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Michael Miers

Date: 7/29/2014 7:24:00 PM

great imagery. the description, the day at the beach, really seems to intimate a suggestion to a lesson. "...unseen things hidden in the shadow of natural things." and in that sense, I really enjoyed this piece. hell, plus I'm a Flawida boy. the gulf is the essence of inspiration.

Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 7/29/2014 7:31:00 PM

Thank you my friend! It's actually a metaphor for the break up of a relationship... inspired by the poetry of Hart Crane (1899-1932). Glad you enjoyed. (...also a Flawida boy, by adoption.)

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 4/13/2013 12:36:00 PM

One time I asked, what were jellyfish feelers called.. arms... or ???? Your poem is deep in imagery... i like the tell-tale sound... I'm all ears... Keith, I enjoyed stopping by to read your poem. Take care and have yourself a nice day. xox~LINDA

Barbara Gorelick

Date: 4/12/2013 9:49:00 PM

What a beauty...you have captured their essence...BG

Ilene Bauer

Date: 4/12/2013 5:28:00 AM

brilliant, as i'd expect! i love your description of them "skating in their see-through costumes" - that's perfect! i spent much of my time at the monterey aquarium just enchanted by their beauty and strangeness. btw - thanks for the spelling catch. i wasn't at my usual computer, which would have alerted me to my mistake.

David De La Croes

Date: 4/12/2013 3:08:00 AM

With such an imposing name like that, jelly-fish deserve to a grandiose poem written about them, and you have done them justice! Thanks for sharing, Keith.