The Performance

The morning waited
for me to take my seat
on the foreshore bench to begin 
its play, perform the piece 
it had scripted just for me. 
Opening
with a prelude of waves lifting
until gravity collapsed 
their curling height and gulped
down their weight, and,
at stage right, rocks bursting 
big watery bags of ocean 
into exploding walls of foam.

Then there were magpies 
holding chorus
in the nearby trees,
accompanying the moment
with an almost Elizabethan lilt
whilst seagulls hurled their
screeching taunts down
from the galleries above.
Little dogs went chasing balls
and children spun, unwinding
on wound up swings, bike riders
in black lycra passed in a blurr
and on a patch of lawn 
beside the pavilion, three women
practicing tai chi.

And so the spectacle ran on
as if the morning was inventing 
new sights and sounds 
for the sake of drawing out time 
to keep me captive in audience there,
the same as I used to do when, 
as a child, I held concert 
for my grandmother 
on cold winter afternoons,
stagelit by a blazing fire
and love.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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M  Avatar
March 5, 2024 at 12:36 PM
Paul….you have the wonderful ability of completely taking the reader “there”….your poems are enthralling and l truly do feel “in that moment” as l read them! Lovely poem…..Debx
Willason Avatar
March 8, 2024 at 4:15 AM
Feel honored to have you as a guest in the poem Deb....it is good to learn from a fellow practitioner when ones words come alive. Thankyou Deb for encouragement.
Rodgers Avatar
March 5, 2024 at 8:20 AM
Dear Paul, Your poem transported me to a serene morning, where nature orchestrated a captivating symphony just for me. Your imagery and emotions evoked are heartfelt and of cherished moments from childhood. This is a beautiful and nostalgic piece. - Blessings, Daniel
Willason Avatar
March 8, 2024 at 3:49 AM
So kind to jump into the mood of the poem Daniel...privileged to have you as a guest...your words are always welcomed. The link to childhood came into mind from nowhere...too good to let it go...had to feature. Appreciate your support Daniel. Regards
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