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

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

for here is where my senses feel
acute, in truth my song is sung.

I find the words I have quoted above to be a perfect expression of our primal connection with nature.

The essence of the woods is captured fully in your words, Chris. I want to add my feelings here...When my little journey is over and it’s time for me to rest, I want to settle down under the thick blanket of fallen leaves and take my last, cool, minty breath.
Love
~Ditzy

[Chris Shaw]

Ditzy you share that love of nature. Have a glorious week-end. Many thanks.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Have a lovely weekend you too Chris!

[Lorry]

Phew, thanks to your note, I can now stop thinking what weird children to fly kites in woods. :)
A wonderful image you paint Chris, of the beauty and calm that we can find for free all around us, if we only pause long enough to see.
Reminds me of visiting woods as an adult, where we ran and played as kids. Standing, reminding us of who we were and now are, amongst the constant of the never changing view, that will go on, long after we stop.

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Lorry. I really believe people miss out when they don't take advantage of the natural environment. It is a place where we can learn to grow spiritually as well as in wisdom. Away from the noisy life of the towns, a chance to experience a measure of peace and understanding. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[emipoemi]

......every line is enchantment; every stanza a wonderland. The magic and mysticity of this poem is beyond words. Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

Still blushing emipoemi. I am so glad that you enjoy my work. Thank you.

[emipoemi]

my pleasure.

[Wild Rose]

Thank you for a lovely picture > I had a vision of one of our woods (Lanthwaite) yes it has clearings and Red Kites do fly
I hope your woods will flourish; Ours are in an area of special scientific interest _ A world heritage site

I have still to see a Red Kite

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Wild Rose for your kind review.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Christine,
Few things (to me) hold more beautiful depth than the colors, hues, and textures of Nature, and when one is skilled enough to weave them into the tapestry of poetical enthrallment there is little else that thrills me to the core. This piece from your star-dusted ink sweeps me (soul and emotion) into the moment and nuances of imagery you've so aptly splashed onto the canvas of my mind … I feel caressed into poetic bliss.
After reading through this smooth-flowing suite of rhyming Sestets several times, I've concluded that every line and verse is an enthralling favorite, and but a coupl'a aspects bade critique: Vi, L5 consider "height" in rhyme with L6 "night" and V3, L5 make it "hear"and all will be virtual perfection.
Your metaphor is wondrously, creatively original … sheer beauty in brilliant poetic voice, and your title really drew me in.
Kites make their homes high in the trees here, as-well … amazingly territorial, majestic creatures.

Christine, I dearly love this piece in so very many ways I could wax praise all day … but, lest I wear my welcome thin, I'll close with a well-pleased, "Thank you" grin! ⁓ Richard : )

[Chris Shaw]

Fabulous review Richard. So pleased you like this poem. It's a special place I go to if I want some peace and quiet. Thank you so much for your critique. Silly me with hear/here, should have known better. Fixed that one already. I do welcome constructive critique and I appreciate very much your kindness.

[Richard🖌]

I like it very much, Christine.
I am so grateful you've shared your "special place" in such a wonderful way.
V1, L5 still needs "something". : )
My "kindness" is inspired by your poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Made that amendment too and I am thankful for your assistance with edits Richard. Pleased my poetry can inspire.

[Papaya]

this was wonderful, the rhymes and the imagery
i didn't know about the red kites. so great that they are flourishing
i love the woods near my home, they are comforting

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana, pleased you enjoyed.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's good to learn something every day. I never heard of them before reading this. Thank you, Christine!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly. Yes they are wonderful to watch.

[Sami Khalil]

"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, here it clear
with each and every passing year."

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami

[Sami Khalil]

:)..................

[Sami Khalil]

Very beautiful, serene and descriptive. Woods are majestic indeed with all its inhabitants that add value to our lives.

[Chris Shaw]

Your kind words are very much appreciated Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome, Christine.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you do rhyme, in line rhyme and a rhythmic meter...i can't write like this.
this poem floats with perfect movement...and i was in the woods with the speaker.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

If I took you there, then that's job accomplished. That's what poetry is about to me. Internal rhyme came after line end rhyming. It takes practice and then I started experimenting with both. Really appreciate your reviews Jacob. Thank you.