Poem to the Lake

A tribute to my recent stay in beautiful Varenna.

Poem to the Lake

Swallows swoop and loop

upon the wing in swarms

through mild salubrious air.

The lake, an inverted 'y'

wide and long is still,

blue and cool;

a sight that belies its ability

to rage as well as any ocean

when vicious winds

storm thunderous

through deep, ice scarred ravines.

In the peace of early morning

voices carry idle chatter

on warm breezes

between villas

tucked neatly

into the folds and terraces

of these majestic mountains.

Pantile rooftops,

like a patchwork quilt,

flow to the harbour,

where lazy ferries

ply their silent trade

with disinterest,

criss-crossing

between the sweet shores

of Como.

I sit in the warm Italian evening sun,

sipping chilled prosecco

and wonder at the glacial magnificence

of these rugged peaks,

dressed in the soft verdant hues

of pasture, pines and Cyprus sentinels.

The sweet hypnotic fragrance

of Star Jasmine wafting upon the breeze.

Lake Como wearing this hardy pretender

like the colourful silk ties and scarves

found in abundance in the many

classy shops along the Bellagio waterfront.

Upon these slopes,

hidden from the tourist,

and in hiding from the hunter,

wild boar, roe dear, foxes and hares

eek out a living

below the eagle eyes

of falcons and buzzards.

Here I feel relaxed,

here I can breathe deeply

and simply feel joy

at living.

 

28/06/17

Author's Note

Lake Como photograph by me.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the amazing description. I went with you to the lake and enjoyed the view. Thank you John for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Coyote

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome John.

[emmajoy]

' .. In the peace of early morning ~ voices carry idle chatter ~ on warm breezes between villas
tucked neatly~ into the folds and terraces ~ of these majestic mountains.~ Pantile rooftops, like a patchwork quilt, ~ flow to the harbour, where ..

Yet again your writing has described the heart and spirit of the Como area.. you seemed to have discovered its absolute beauty and oft-found calm. Fine writing, lovely descriptions.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed the Larian area has beauty everywhere you look, be it the mountains the lake, the alleyways, the people, the food or the culture. Many thanks Emma.

[AYVID N]

Your poetic mind ventures so deep into Nature John. Beyond its physical beauty and into the noble and mystical purpose behind Creation that binds all of Universe in a ceaseless joyous rhythm, a song. An unforgettable poem on a powerful yet so vulnerable Nature.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It is a wonderful place to be in if you ever get the chance Divya. Many, many thank yous.

[AYVID N]

You are welcome John. I really hope and dream I'll visit this piece of heaven on earth some day.

[duff]

This is painting with a pen. Your imagery leaps off the page and it's very inviting for the reader. It sounds like a magical place and your words ooze passion. Great work my friend.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Varenna and Lake Como are just beautiful duff. Many thanks.

[duff]

It sounds like it. Anytime John:)

[Tony Jordan]

The beauty has begat beauty and inspired inspiration - that much is obvious. I think this is a wonderful tribute John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

thank you Tony it is a wonderful place.

[Leslie Philibert]

Nice poem ; I have been to some parts of Italy, Rome,Toscanna and the Amalfi Coast, Tyrol too,
this sounds a place worth a visit !

[John Alexander McFadyen]

thank you Leslie, Lake Como is exceptional. I hope you enjoy it some time.

[pia]

Amazing poem, the wording provides a nice imagery. It's such a holiday poem. It gives a nice soothing essence which we all need on a,holiday

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Pia; Lake Como is simply beautiful in all of its phases.

[wordman]

you painted a lovely and vivid image of your journey

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Ron, it is indeed a beautiful place.