Cranes

[Delta40]

On the cold platform,
where everyone huddles together,
I watch the cranes across the tracks.
Hauling heavy concrete blocks
and giant skip bins filled with waste,
the rising edifice bars my view from a once natural landscape.
They arch like latticed ballerinas
as each level of construction is complete.
The flashing lights of a bridge crane
speak to the overhead ones hoisting nearby,
Look out! Here I come!
So they lower their boompoints,
dipping their hooks in adulation.
I sigh at the magnificence of it all
as the crane does a full pirouette.
The station quickly becomes crowded.
Rush hour on the freeway passes me by.
I remain transfixed by the performance
of outriggers engaging in a majestic assembled dance.

[tailor STATELY]

Wistfully ambivalent. (sigh)... a blight of 'progress', un ballet tragique.

Well done.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor STATELY

[Twota]

I like it ;D specially:
'They arch like latticed ballerinas
as each level of construction is complete.' :D

[Red-Headed]

Excellent, I like the dance of the industrial imagery.

[ShadowsCool]

A moment to get lost in. Who hasn't feel in a trance by something like this.
I can relate and see the spectacle. Nice Job.

Shadows

[Delta40]

I've been meaning to write about these cranes for a while...

[Hawkman]

This is spectacularly well observed, Delta. The description is superb. Took me right back. Watching those booms and jibs can be hypnotic.

I would only suggest cutting "in their minds" which feels like an aside or afterthought, and "material" which is both un-necessary and spoils the rhythm of the line.

Great poem.

Live and be well - H

[Bar22do]

A lovely poem, Delta, poetry on urban landscapes... a ballet, but also an engaging scenario!
(It seems to me you should lose 's' from 'speaks' in L11, that is if I read you right).

[PrinceMyshkin]

Wonderful. We have the supple flow of human thought/emotion juxtaposed against the hard materiality of the construction machines.

[Delta40]

Thanks. I edited it at your suggestion Hawk.

[Hawkman]

Good on yer, but Bar was right about that S :D

Live and be well - H

[Delta40]

ok, ok!

[Jerrybaldy]

I do love a moment in time captured so. I am listening to Kraftwerk which is the theme music to your poem. You take your kitchen sink everywhere lovely lesley.

[Delta40]

I do love a moment in time captured so. I am listening to Kraftwerk which is the theme music to your poem. You take your kitchen sink everywhere lovely lesley.

....and my bronchial cough! but thanks for your kind words Jerry

[ucello]

This one, Delta, so ambitious and special, rich in images, while it remains simple.