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

[W. Barrett Munn]

Really good, Christ, immersing the rhyme within enjambed lines makes a huge difference in how it sounds.
Nice job handling this one.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed this one with its enjambement lines Winston. I don’t often do that. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

The language that you used throughout conveys such loveliness, and it sounds like such a relaxing place to me. Just beautiful!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Linda for your encouraging review. A lovely spot in south Devon. So many to choose from.

Chris

[Lorry]

Really like this piece Chris, especially the end. I always find the most calming places that we return to throughout our life holds us in its sway, with ponderances such as thinking of all those long gone that once enjoyed those same views. It takes it beyond the limit of our time and we can get lost in the thoughts that of who they were and what they done in their lives, jut as one day someone might be wondering that about us. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Lorry, you echo my thoughts. I often imagine the people that frequented those places years ago and then I fast forward beyond my time too. Pleased you liked these words and I am grateful for your response and thoughts.

Chris

[Lorry]

You're welcome :)

[Ken Simm.]

When I started reading this I was reminded of John Fowles but as I got further into it I realised that is had a cadence and a gentle beauty all of its own.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken. I do not know John Fowles other than him being an American poet. I will have to look him up. Your visit is much appreciated.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

French Lieutenants Woman was what it reminded me of.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. Remember the film with Meryl Streep.

[Jimmy Yetts]

Quite lovely and most impressive imagery that creates a you-are-there feel.
Masterful portrayal, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy for reading and responding.

Chris

[matelotrod]

I moved from Wiltshire to Norfolk 43 years ago Chris and have never regretted a minute of it. The village in Wilts was as far from the sea as you could be so when I was fifteen I joined the Royal Navy thereby being a lover of sea life. The only "Spoiler" for us is holiday seasons when our peaceful little beaches and nature walks are invaded and sometimes not treated correctly. Enough, loved your poem and fully understand the content. Take care Rod.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Rod. Yes I have an affinity with the water as well, but that can either be the sea or lakes and rivers. They all do it for me. Not too long and the holiday season will be over, and you will have your peace restored. Sounds lovely where you live.

Chris

[matelotrod]

I have both, the sea and the Norfolk Broads, I live on the Broads and I am twenty minutes from the sea, what more could I wish for. Rod.

[Chris Shaw]

You have it made Rod, you really do. The best of all worlds :))

[Great Aunt Astri]

That is such a lovely, soothing picture you have painted with your words. The rhymes seem effortless, no contriving to make something fit! And your concluding last two lines are so reassuring. I love visiting the sea, the air always seems clean and makes one feel better. In fact, just reading this poem has made me feel better!!

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Astri. Pleased to know that my words have made you feel a little better. Can't ask for a nicer response than that. Your visit appreciated.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

You paint quite a lovely picture here ..an ambiance atmosphere of beauty and a peaceful feeling of serenity.

nice work

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fran Marie. Happy you enjoyed my lines and thanks for your visit to my page.

read moreThank you Fran Marie. Happy you enjoyed my lines and thanks for your visit to my page.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Very descriptive -- this poem takes the reader to that place -- lovely.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Lyn. Pleased I took you there with my words.

Chris

[Pete]

your words as beautiful as the place you describe. love the title. sounds breathtaking. a view that is not soon forgotten, leaving a lasting impression. i want to go there and thanks for giving me a glimpse! ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

I was happy to share my words with you. It truly is a beautiful place that has remained unspoiled. Thank you Pete :))

Chris