avatarSally Prag

Summary

The article "Hit by a Cornish Storm" poetically describes the fierce beauty of a storm on England's Cornish coast, reflecting on the history and legends associated with the area, and invites readers to explore more sea-themed writings.

Abstract

"Hit by a Cornish Storm" is a vivid narrative that captures the essence of a tempest along England's southwestern coast. It begins with the subtle onset of the storm, gradually building to the wild winds that whip through caves and lash against the resilient cave walls. These ancient formations are depicted as silent witnesses to countless storms, providing refuge and bearing testament to the region's smuggling history and maritime activity. The author, Sally Prag, evokes the mystical side of the storm by alluding to Cornish folklore, including the mischievous faery-people believed to be present in the fierce gusts. The article paints a picture of the Cornish landscape as a bulwark against the Atlantic's fury, protecting the rest of England. The piece concludes with a nod to the sea's dual nature as both a destructive force and a source of healing, offering readers links to further explorations of the ocean's impact on human life and well-being.

Opinions

  • The author appreciates the raw power and beauty of the Cornish storm, suggesting it is an integral part of the region's identity.
  • There is a sense of reverence for the historical significance of the Cornish landscape, particularly the caves and rocks that have witnessed centuries of activity.
  • The article romanticizes the idea of mythical creatures like Cornish pixies being active during the storm, indicating a belief in or fondness for local legends.
  • The author implies that the Cornish peninsula bears the brunt of the Atlantic's wrath, symbolizing a form of sacrifice for the broader land.
  • The sea is portrayed as a force with the capacity to heal as much as it can destroy, suggesting a complex relationship between humans and the ocean.
  • Sally Prag encourages readers to engage with more content that delves into the therapeutic aspects of the sea, highlighting the importance of such narratives.

POETRY

Hit by a Cornish Storm

The wilds of England’s coast just got wilder

Photo by S N Pattenden on Unsplash

The wind’s first whispers come in small and silent, Gently whipping the sand on the beach, Showering it upon the walkers and the wanderers who are tentatively tempting fate.

Then more wildly; whistling through the caves, The wet walls laughing their wet tears, Watching the vain wind lashing with all its might…to no avail.

The cave walls have seen many a storm and housed many in refuge, Sheltered many a smuggler, And watched many a ship swaying and surging in a swell.

The Cornish rocks, ravaged by rain have seen many a roamer and many a rambler, And many a rogue, running free, far from foes.

And if you, like I, love the legends of old, We see the faery-people floating in the fierce gusts; Cornish pixies pelting and pranking the people as the storm strengthens.

The windswept peninsula with its bent-over trees, Curved by the force of the gales, Leans, all together, into the land beyond; the rest of England, As Cornwall takes the worst of the weather from the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Taking one for the team.

© Sally Prag, February 2022 during Storm Eunice

The sea is as powerful as a healer as it is a destroyer. For something different, read this beautiful and heart-warming piece that celebrates the healing power of the sea, by Mukundarajan V N:

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If you enjoyed that and would like to read more from me on the theme of the sea, why not check out this one:

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