Chilling poem. We have our share of attacks here in Florida, but it doesn't stop the surfers. It's just a risk they take when entering the shark's domain.

I was once in a helicopter above the beaches that I was born and raised on as a kid and saw to my astonishment all the sharks and dolphin co-existing in the relatively shallow waters just off the beach...I still swim and surf, but this thought never leaves my mind, thought it is said that you have better chance of being struck by lightening than to be attacked by a shark in North America...But the frequency is getting to be less since off shore fishing has brought the shark in closer to land...sorry to ramble...Ed

Chanti,

I am so sorry also that this happened to your friend.
A great poem expressing that terrible event.

Chanti,

The poem is great! It captures that horrific event vividly and your compassion for your friend shines through. The picture is as much as a nightmare as I'm sure that haunting day has been for your friend and for you and all those who care about her.

Cynthia

Chanti,

GAD what a nightmare. I'm sorry this happened to your friend.

Powerful retelling--very well written, one feels the horror as they read your compelling words.

((((((HUGS)))))) and love, Karla. :(

Thanks all for your kind comments. This incident happened over 20 years ago. Kim lost both legs not from the immediate attack but from gangrene that set in after the attack. It is not an uncommon occurrence in this country and all over the world. The Wild Coast in Transkei, South Africa where this happened has beautiful stretches of beach with white sands and is reached through tropical (almost jungle like) growth filled with monkeys and all sorts of fascinating creatures. It is one my most favourite places but after that attack I was more than a little nervous about entering the sea again. The incident was indelibly imprinted into my mind and this was the result. It is no prize winning poem I know but it was an accurate account of a true story. A moment that stole a young person's mobility forever.
Thanks again for your reviews.
Chanti

An extremely vivid and intense rendering. Can't help admiring this as poetry but at the same time overwhelmed by sorrow for the description of the victim involved. Nevertheless, a powerful tribute.

A brutal, frightning poem. I am sorry such a thing had to happen. Take care.

A horrific tale, Chanti. Don't want to imagine it too deeply. I'm sure it was a trying time for you as well because it hurts us when we see those we care for hurting. Good telling and presentation. ~~Nordette

Well done, Chanti! Your poem and your picture sent chills up and down my spine!

powerful, horrorifying write, chillingly and effectively presented; extremely well done, chanti'! brava!

((hugs))) and much love, your friend in america, karen lynn in texas. :(

You have so effectively captured this horrific experience that it bring shivers to my spine. Moreover, your unfailing compassion shines through. Thank you, dearest Chanti. Take care. Love,

Regis

Such an horrific event Chanti. You tell it well! So sorry for your friend to have to live with such a nightmare,and being disabled.

(Glad you decided to stay around;-)



etw

Chanti you have written a piece that captures the terror and horror of such an awful experience with such compassion. My heartfelt thoughts go out to your friend.

Paul;-]

Chilling.

wow, what a traumatic experience! i also have a friend who lost a leg out at Montauk, LI ... a notorious spot for great whites ... you poem really captured the experience with such intensity i could feel it ...

What a terrible tradgedy for your friend. Very nicely written.

Pat.

God.....that's awful. we're very lucky not to get Sharks in the UK

This is very terrible Chanti. I have never been bitten by a fish, not even a small one. But my heart goes out to Kim, who should not have had this happen. I also agree with Jerry, that the environmentalists would put their two-cents worth in if that shark were killed. Evironmentalists don't care who gets hurt in the meantime, it is save the shark. I say kill the shark, and save the people. May the Lord be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love, peace, & (((HUGS))), Barbie

"if I have to...Then I may as well be."

Awful day that certainly was. Awful. It is a shame that even something this tragic will not keep certain people from interjecting their envionmental two-cents worth in this space. Sharks hunt what is available and are vunerable, Ed. Always have, always will.

Truly a horrific tragic event, Chanti - and that is truly a chilling picture.



I also fear that these terribly tragic shark attacks will continue to occur since we're polluting the oceans more and more each day and killing off their natural prey at an astounding rate - so many of them will now hunt man - sharks are true survivors.

And to these silly people who think that my heart, soul, and prayers do not go out to your friend, they have no idea what an environmentalist is -

Wow how sad that she would lose so much at such a young age. Sometimes the cruelty of real life needs no wmbellishment.
Hugs,
Felix