Gulls divebomb each other,
squabble over perching rights
on chimney pots,
throw back their heads
in raucous chorus,
rip rubbish sacks to shreds,
steal chicks from nests
and devour them on the roofs
then launch into the sky
to soar on thermals,
sharp white wings
against the blue.
Originally posted for Sunday Scribblings in 2008.
I also reposted an old poem on my Shapeshifting Green blog, you can read it here.
I like the ratatat speed and boogie rhythm of this divebombing poem: raucous...rip rubbish...it rocks.
ReplyDeleteWords that bite and dazzle and bring to life the active squabbling gulls. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI can practically hear them. Having grown up near the beach, I miss their squawking sounds.
ReplyDeleteyour words read with wonderful rythm. Telling a strong tale.
ReplyDeletegreat imagery, I can see them soaring and hear their chorus. :)
ReplyDeletestrong images--love the end
ReplyDeleteI agree, the imagery is marvelous here - the rough and raucous gives way to beautiful soaring across the sky.
ReplyDeleteThis was lovely Juliet - the imagery was fantastic and I felt I was right there. Loved the ending - I like gulls so this was a treat to read.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed them from my view point!
ReplyDeleteKinda like rabbits ... 49% bad 51% good! Good wins ...
Last year we had the seagulls looking to nest behind our chimney stack, we had to remove the makings of three nests. It will be interesting to see if they try their luck again this year? x
ReplyDeleteLiked this a lot!
ReplyDeleteAmazing birds to watch. And how they feed on tourists' fair at the seaside.
ReplyDeleteWith just a few finely tuned words, like brushstrokes, you bring the gulls to life!
ReplyDeletethere's a mister hyde in every creature, it seems.
ReplyDeletebut i love watching gulls soar
Gulls have always fascinated me and frustrated me. Your bird poetry always captures their spirits and this one is no exception.
ReplyDeleteI like the sharp earthy contrast of chimney pots, ripping rubbish, and stealing chicks to the ethereal dreaminess of these birds soaring on thermals, "sharp white wings against the blue."
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my blog. It brought me here. It's been fun to explore.
divine eloquence!
ReplyDeleteI like this line:
ReplyDeleterip rubbish sacks to shreds
It is a poetic tongue-twister. It all fits the theme quite well.
It is very well written - I too can see the images clearly. The ugly with the beautiful....
ReplyDeleteYour poem shows sharp images with a dark edge, just like nature, bringing it all to life in the reader's mind. I especially liked the "soaring" section. Lovely!
ReplyDeletelove usage of words here.
ReplyDeleteBrings memories of the beach -- always a joyful time. Gulls do seem to be cheerfully playing when they glide on the airstreams!
ReplyDelete"I can't stand noisy neighbours!" - Jonathan Livingston Seagull
ReplyDeleteawesome poem...
ReplyDeletegreeting- evi erlinda
Your words are perfect :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
They do squabble, don't they! Great description of gulls.
ReplyDelete