Elemental Influences
(After: J.M.W. Turner)
Five harbours seen from seawards; ship’s-eye views
Of Scarborough andWhitbyin the North,
Sheerness, Ramsgate andPortsmouthin the South.
The ports themselves are incidental here;
The artist’s interests seem unconcerned
With what these places represent in terms
Of shelter, trade, facilities or homes.
Rather, his eyes are focussed on the ships
And boats, struggling for mastery with winds
And waves that turbulently threaten wreck;
Or calmed, listlessly still, on tidal slacks,
Unable to proceed where they intend.
His whole imagination feels the elements
That influence his deep, impressionistic sense.
