Inheritance

This beach at Maidencombe is reached

by countless steps of well-worn stone,

which open to a camber cove

of sand and shingle. On my own

I sit and contemplate the cliffs;

their curves embrace the open sea.

The sandstone, richly rugged-red

is topped by many a wind-blown tree.

And clinging to the craggy slopes

are patchwork flora, clumps of green.

From overhead the swooping gulls

disturb the silence. In this scene

salt water laps and agitates

the sea-weed caught in tidal flow,

while crested white, the crystal waves

fill thirsty rock pools feet below.

A hue of blues that span the sky

create a post-card, summer bright.

No hint of grey unwelcome cloud

to break the vista. Thoughts take flight

to bygone days, two hundred years 

when others came across this bay.

The panorama stays unspoiled

and still can thrill the heart today.

Reviews

[Lisasview]

Hey Chris,
I did not recognise you...New photo...really charming.
I am still tying with my left finger..such a drag.
Isn't it wonderful to have a special place to sit and contemplate...wouldn't it be wonderful if more of our days were filled with these special moments..
Felt like I was there with you...
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

It is a special place Lisa and more so because I don’t get the chance to see it much. We all need those places we can wander to in thought flight. Yes, new photo. Couldn’t upload anything from my iPhone. Had to find another way, so I was faceless for about a week:)) Thank you for stopping by. Hope your injury heals soon.

Chris

[willweb]

That was a wonderful poetic journey to the sea. Almost as if a painting and I, in a gallery sitting and gazing at for hours. Wonderfully done my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks will. Pleased you stopped by and enjoyed Maidencombe beach. It is s beautiful and serene place.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

By the way, I consider the title to be another way of saying National Treasure.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right my friend. The place is a treasure.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

OMG! You are welcome 😊

[Sami Khalil]

I like and admire how some of us poets go for solitude and contemplation in beautiful and undisturbed places like the one you visit.
In my mind, your poem enhanced its serenity, occasional breaking of silence and beauty.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami for stopping by to consider this place that is special for me.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Wowzy woooo! You are welcome 😊.

[Ayvid N]

The sea and the coves and the cliffs that they give rise to have something so primeval about them. These are places that were crafted exclusively by nature and long before there was man on earth with his interference and meddling. These are places of such beauty, serenity and solitude and your words bring this aspect of nature in such an awesome way. The noise of the sea waves and the gulls pull the soul. I hope this gem of a place on earth stays undisturbed and unsullied always and the unassuming sea gulls be the first and foremost guests here, forever. Thank you for this amazing trip, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear divya, the place is unspoiled. Almost timeless. Easy to imagine people from centuries before admiring the wonderful views. Thank you for your understanding and beautifully poetic review. Have a great day.

Chris

[Ayvid N]

You are most welcome, dear Chris!
Have a great day, you too. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. Pouring with rain at the moment 🌺

[zainul]

Very rich and diversified panorama that descended from bygone days thrills the heart today and hopefully will continue to do so till the infinity.
A marvelous work on nature and lifestyle.
I congratulate the poet for enlightening the readers with her depth of knowledge and creativity.

[Chris Shaw]

I am delighted by your generous review zainul. Thank you so much for the appreciation you have shown my work. All best wishes.

Chris

[red93]

Oh Chris I love this - and we really are in Thomas Hardy territory in this Piece - how many times does Hardy's Poetry find him contemplating the Sea from the Shore. As ever with your Work, it makes me realise what your Book of Poems may eventually look like - sublime ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

You are so supportive and generous Tony with your reviews. I am so grateful for that. Many thank yous on a very wet bank holiday. Keep dry.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Nice work Chris. You have depicted some beautiful place. I was in a place between the white cliffs and Cornwall being a big fan of Doc Martin.

[Chris Shaw]

This is Devon. Next county to Cornwall. I love Doc Martin too Andrew. Our west country has some beautiful spots. Man thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

My daughter’s Christian name is Devon, ha ha.

[Neville]

Indeed, everyone of us should each have their own such special place .. I think you have just made mine even more so .. and the title not only introduces but defines and say's it all .. N :)

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Neville and thank you. One of several special places. Pleased it made you think of yours. Hope you enjoy the sunshine which has been promised for later today.

Chris

[Neville]

Good mane Chris,
thank you, we are about to embark upon a coronation picnic.
Neville

[Chris Shaw]

We are at our Danny’s later. More fencing but he is cooking us a roast, and he does the best roasts ever. Enjoy the day.

[Stuart Munro]

Hi Chris , can’t make many trips now , but you’ve brought pleasure to me , lovely poem

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Stuart, sorry to hear that. If I have written something which gives you pleasure I can ask no more. Take care friend.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Chris