Cornwall

Last Saturday, I found a rock,

half-fossilised coal, half-wood,

light as a sparrow on my palm,

a stone smoothed by the ocean currents

of this wild Atlantic.  

An ancient geology,

known only to tin miners.

 

I mused on the shoreline,

to the treasures secreted in caves

by smugglers, thought how wreckers

once lit this shore with miscreant lamps,

centuries extinguished.

Even the fishing brethrens

are sailing against the tide,

fishing for hope and dwinding stocks

in a lifelong storm.

 

I listened for the elevated symphony

of water on rock. After we left the bay,

I almost heard it in the cider taverns

and later in the birdsong in the rose garden.

 

In the dark soil of my homeland,

Are the earthed over shafts

of millennia old mines, dug by Celts,

in a landscape they still own.

 

Wild garlic  is cast like stars in the fields,  

the hawthorn brightens hedges

and I keep a pulsing, three million year old

stone in my pocket,

retelling the lineage of my Cornwall.

Reviews

[LoneWolf]

This poem is a barrage of emotion, I think it’s eloquent to an extent, the way you’ve implemented complex words with simplistic objects and scenery is pleasing. I think you’ve reached the pinnacle of this writing style, perhaps you might try a new avenue with your next piece; possibly something with more tangible language? I’ve often been tempted to use words like, “cacophony” simply because the word is magnificent *laughs* hmm the trick is to be careful not to, “over season” a write with such words. *smiles kindly* not that you’re guilty of this here, actually, your poem is one of the few I’ve read with a sincere balance between imagery and vocabulary. In a sense I’m advocating that writers with less skill would accomplish more with their writing if they limited themselves to more honest and concrete word choices. ^_^

[paul]

beautifully written. magical

[Lily Mae]

I carry stones in my pockets in hopes that their story's give me wisdom and strength to get through my days..so this was an exceptionally beautiful write for me.. I could feel those days as if I were standing there as an onlooker.. Love it..x

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

I enjoyed my travels through this wonderful tale........excellent!

[Aidz]

Loved the story this told

[Bubo]

Cornwall ~ never visited but heard of its heritage and beauty, what a stunning piece, a rock with so much history that sits in your pocket, I very much enjoyed the unusual feel to your words, and the topic, lovely.

[Ed Hart]

i just let myself go with the tide of your words, and am carried away away away

[SpokenWord]

When ever I find a rock I usualy just chuck it across the street or into a stream. Only a poet could find one and create a poem like you have here which rhymes and tells us about history and beauty. Excellent write.

[Chris Smith Welshpoetcs]

You are a poet of the heart, great words as always my friend.

[Gandré]

this must be the poem of the day, the TOP writing of Writerscafe ! but not the real skill became important but how able is someone how how skilfully she&he is advertising their stuff to catch the audience and make read their pieces.. sadly sadly