Walking in the Wood

These woods have stood majestic for

more years than I will ever know,

and saplings grown from scattered fruit

are keen to stretch their necks to grow.

Taller, taller to the height

where they can catch the gems at night.

See copper-coloured leaves float down,

another layer, move on by.

Then soon a clearing starved of trees

where I can view a cloudless sky.

Higher, higher on the wing,

the Red Kites soar, what joy they bring.

I can but hope this place remains

for generations yet to come,

for here is where my senses feel

acute, in truth my song is sung.

Louder, louder, hear it clear

with each and every passing year.

Author's Note

Red Kites are birds of prey, often seen in the Chilterns. They were almost extinct but happily now are flourishing.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

A very pleasing nature poem here, with imagery that puts you on the scene. We must treasure such places as the woods the poem describes. Developers in my city seem intent on eradicating as much green space as they can. Rural Suffolk seems to be receding.

[Chris Shaw]

It’s a special place John. I hope it stays that way. Many thanks for your visit and nice review.

Chris

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Walking in the Wood'
Chris Shaw,
Walking in a wooded are whilst on a campout or just walking down a wooded avenue can even be special. There is just something about getting out of our 'four walls.' Whether kites or hawks these birds of prey are so wondrous. Your poem took me there and reminded of the treasure which our natural world is. Loved it!
Kathy

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Kathy, thank you for such a positive review. So pleased you stopped by. All the best.

Chris

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Chris,
I wish you the same in this beautiful chilly winter around the corner season.
Kathy

[W. Barrett Munn]

I really enjoyed your use of repetition here, Chris. A lovely read.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kindly Winston fit your very encouraging review. Have a good Monday.

Chris

[red93]

Marvellous evocation of the Natural World Chris - reminiscent of Wordsworth in places. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Such an uplifting review Tony. Have a happy Sunday and thank you so much for stopping by to share your thoughts. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I love this it’s so grounding
I read several months ago to ground
I go barefoot on grass a total of thirty mins or more a day
Another way is to walk in woods and sit or stand back lying at against on tree.
Loved your poem

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this poem Julie. An older one out for an airing. Hope all is ok in your world abd many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I really feel that we are most grounded when in touch with mother nature. It truly gives us a peace that is hard to find anywhere else. This is evident in your writing, and this is no exception. Well done. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Linda. I appreciate your words and your visit.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

we have Mississippi Kites in AR. i see them from time to time while walking ol' Beauregard. had to look up Chilterns ... what an interesting geological place .. chalk hills ... and more .. anyway .. i read your poem :) ... i feel the concern, your song .. and the beauty of things as they should be in Nature .. left alone .. but we are humans and too many misunderstand "progress" .. and pursue it in alienation with the real world around us .. if we don't concern ourselves with things like the Red Kite ... too much passes beyond extinction .. but, you know Chris, i think as a race .. we are "getting it" more and more ... life is about being aligned with God and loving one another ... sorry to babble on .. i enjoyed the walk with you among the trees, clearings and Kites of the Chilterns .. best of the rest of the day to ya!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E. We should be able to live side by side with the natural world without destroying it. I am not a fanatic but it upsets me when areas of outstanding beauty are built on when there are plenty of brown fill sites where development can take place. We are a small island highly populated. I want my grandchildren and their kids to be able to enjoy what I have had:) Thank you for joining me on my walk and for looking up the majestic red kite. Beautiful birds of prey with a distinct whistle. Plenty around where I live. Enjoy the rest of your day. Always good to have a visit from you :)

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

love and peace sister!

[Betty Hermelee]

It seems you have a true love of nature, as you gaze at the woods, the trees, saplings, and as you age you appreciate them even more; what gives you joy is to ultimately view the sky and the red kites flying high....this is your familiar place of pleasure....and your hope id for this special place to remain for generations to come.....
Very beautiful piece...
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty. This place is a ten minute walk away. Such a pleasure to be at one with the natural environment. I just hope it remains that way. I appreciate your visit. All the best.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome dear Chris... sounds beautiful!
Best, B

[lightsong]

your spirit is made of nature... such a delightful, joyous uplifting song your spirit sang to us here. the positive vibes of your poem sparkle all around, it radiates with sheer brightness as your soul. I searched for the Red Kites birds, they are majestic. Thank You for the wonderful walk dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you lightsong. Red kites became extinct for many years but now we have them soaring over the Chilterns again. They are majestic. Pleased you enjoyed the walk in our local woods. Your lovely review has made my day brighter. Bless you 🌺

[Stella Armour]

Such a lovely calming poem Chris.
Walking inside nature's canopy is a joy, and i do like the way you have used some repetition to enhance the mood..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. This is an older write out for an airing. Later on today I will be taking this walk myself. A local spot which is a favourite of mine. A place to blow the cobwebs of winter away. We have milder weather so I will make the mist if it. Have a good weekend. 🌺

[Stella Armour]

I envy you... in a nice way lol.
Since i moved house i don't know of any pleasant woodland walks, will have to explore a bit moire when the dry weather comes .
Enjoy anyway :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. Make sure you do go and explore:)