Notes About The Poem

In Flagrante Delicto

[starboard port]

the ocean—an onyx plate predawn—
somnambulant ships preen with a swag of
warning lights

massive hulls: cargo ships, flotillas, tankers,
passenger liners loll; red lights buss
the somber slate of sky—spangled strings of 
bawdy bulbs on the riggings—pole dance
beside the quay—ridged, behemoth smokestacks
toy with the flames of gold and white

[cabin’s lav—occupied]

waiting, my mind trundles to funeral pyres  
Viking ships, then returns to marvel at 
on-coming airport pot lights which

upstage the walled gasps
[very occupied]

the exodus to Singapore crescendos
we land—manned the plane performs
a ritual slide—ash and steam spew from  
stacks of the other perpendicular 
members 

Touch down. 
[the door opens]



First Published by Shooter Literary Magazine Spring of 2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Anish Avatar
August 12, 2018 at 3:25 PM
Stimulating verse here! But why the title? Peace &Love Matthew Anish
Guzzi Avatar
August 12, 2018 at 3:44 PM
because they [the couple in the bathroom ] were joining the mile high club - they were caught in the act
Horsman Avatar
July 28, 2018 at 3:32 PM
Wonderful poetry, a continuation of probably some of the best poetry i've read anywhere, 'The Hurricane' I may not be a connoisseur of this particular art, Debbie, But to be truthful your poetry blows me away, taking this reader on many awesome journeys, so inspiring, yet down to earth truths. Harry.
Kendrick Avatar
July 24, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Interesting work. I have not heard from you in a long time. Are you okay? Sara
Horn Avatar
June 2, 2018 at 9:40 PM
Much reminds me of the Titanic. Door opens up and an entire different world is before our eyes. Jim Horn
Yates Avatar
May 3, 2018 at 9:39 PM
Good travel poem, and I like the title!
Guzzi Avatar
May 4, 2018 at 12:53 PM
Thanks, Bill long time no hear. I hope all is well with you. Light & Love
George   Avatar
April 30, 2018 at 4:10 PM
I agree with Andrea. A Class act, Debbie. I miss you...would love to see you posting here again. Elaine
Rodrigues Avatar
April 30, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Love these images!
Dietrich Avatar
April 20, 2018 at 6:00 PM
A class act, Debs and big congrats on the publication! thanks for my win in your contest.
Richards Avatar
April 19, 2018 at 9:06 PM
Your poems are in a class above and beyond ! As always, you are one I always learn from :) Thanks again, for keeping us striving to better our own. And thank you for my recent placement in your last contest. Always an honor to enter your challenges:)
Callus Avatar
March 6, 2018 at 4:07 PM
Thank you for sharing this enjoyable flight with us, Debbie. Nighttime flying can be very inspiring; predawn even more so. Warm regards // paul
Wigley Avatar
March 5, 2018 at 9:21 PM
Excellent, Debbie, richly descriptive, love the vocabulary. And I do enjoy take-offs and landings. Viv x
Kamoonpuri Avatar
February 25, 2018 at 12:02 PM
Awesome vocabulary and poetic diction, the Vikings mentioned wow I enjoyed this awesome poem all in all in fine dockyard description and muse. Pleez do review/comment my newest poem too pls.
Richards Avatar
February 14, 2018 at 7:45 PM
Amazing poetry Debbie! I felt myself ascending into the skyline over some great city! Thanks for the trip of a lifetime! :) xo
One Avatar
February 6, 2018 at 6:30 AM
Great lines Debbie, I can see why this was published.. Some struggle with big words in poems, I think it enhances poetry.. The opening lines set up the imagery for this great write...
Guzzi Avatar
February 6, 2018 at 1:15 PM
Thank you, one or two new words a day is good for you ;).
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