Lost in the Flood (I.P.)

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 08 Feb 2014
  • 2325 reads
10 comments
 

On the ravaged sand of Happisburgh, *

where, years before, archaeologists
had discovered a lot of ancient flints,
as the beach was buffeted by the sea
the tide uncovered a set of footprints.

The shape of a heel, an arch and toes
could clearly be seen in the indentation.
Those prints pre-dated Homo Sapiens  
and caused the historians’ jubilation.

Now the floods have washed them away
following the recent gales and rain
and though they were captured on film
they’ve gone and won’t be seen again.

But they are not the only casualties:
dwellings perched precariously on the cliff
have tumbled down due to the erosion
that for lack of defence causes mischief.

It is as if the gods have been offended
and exact revenge from the parishioners
by encouraging the turbulent North Sea
to be Poisedon’s merciless executioner.

 

© Luigi Pagano 2014

* pronounced hayz-bru

 

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Other Non-fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Masterfully penned and informative to boot, Luigi. 

I hadn't realised this had happened. A great shame, indeed.  It could be said that God truly does move in mysterious ways.

Tina xxx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It was the news of the floods and the havoc it caused on coastal towns that made me write this poem. I concentrated on Happisburgh, which is constantly battered by rough seas, because I visited it a few times and know it quite well. The combination of the findings and the destruction caused by the cliffs' erosion has put the village on the map.

Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by prettyrose on

Hi Luigi. I hope your well. I really enjoyed this, but I always do when reading your worksmileyand love the picture, but of course I do not love the misery the floods are causing.

 

Brilliant well done.

 

take care

smiley Keep Smiling

Keep Writing xxx

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Prettyrose. I can't help smiling when you write such nice words. Keep saying that my work is brilliant and I'll begin to believe it. Thinking about it, you better not say it or my head will swell beyond recognition. I am well and do keep writing but just like yourself I am fed up with the miserable weather.

Chin up, Luigi xxx

 

 

Submitted by prettyrose on

Aww Luigi smileyMy words are nice, because you write with such warmth,depth and insight,talent, which adds up to brilliant, sorry but I had to use that word again he he.

 

And if I had your remarkable writing talent, I would believe!!!!!!!! but just encase you still do not ha ha, just read all the hundreds of comments you get, that agree with me.

 

And I tried to insert a sun that was smiling just to perk us up, but the could not copy&paste so sorrysadBut we can imagine it, A dry, unspoilt land full of green acres of pastured lands, and right above this calm beautiful place, sits a bright yellow sun,with a big happy smiling face

Its not the same but hope it made you smile. and I just realized it sort of worked it self in to a poem or a couple lines of one, but more more work if I did hehehe.

 

take care

Trish xxx

smiley Keep Smiling

Keep Writing xxx

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Much appreciated Trish.

Best, Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I  found your poem both intriguing and interesting Luigi.  Your knowledge is profound and shines through in this piece.

Well done.  yes

Jenny.  xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The news can be a rich source of inspiration, dear Jenny. A combination of headlines and personal knowledge can spark off ideas that can lead to a poem or a piece of prose. This is how this factual piece was conceived. Thanks for your comment.

Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by Luke Neima on

The tragic collateral of flooding, richly reworked and shared. The footprints may be lost, but now they are not only preserved by photographs - but also in poetry!

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It is such a pity that freak weather can obliterate vestiges of the past, Luke. That we can retain their memory in print and images is a small but welcome consolation. Thanks for stopping by to comment.