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

[Dave Brown]

You certainly don't need me to echo the high quality of your presentations
This is yet another of many so beautifully done

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dave. Some places are so gorgeous, I just have to share it.

Chris

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

This is a beautiful Sight Chris! You have woven me in flight to see this beauty through your mind! AMAZING!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Queenie.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

To drink in Mother Nature's beauty and to realize people have enjoyed the same scene for hundreds of years....that is to feel part of the universe. Yes, it is a wonderful inheritance our forefathers and foremothers have left for us to enjoy. The imagery in this write is spectacular and the emotions come through like velvet. Wonderful. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi. I just hope it stays that way for years to come.

Chris

[sette]

the nature's bounty has been described in this poem.. how we have to appreciate the unique beauty it offers amazing write as always

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you sette. Love your reviews, it is always so good to see you.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Beautiful- I feel the fresh breeze smell the see- to be able to appreciate the beauty all around it humbles the soul- all remains unchanged- it’s us that change- wonderfully written🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much, pleased you enjoyed the sea view.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Pleasure- was beautiful🌹

[emmajoy]

This is wonderful, Chris... i want to visit, i need to see what you've so beautifully and lovingly described in finely laid language. You really display the whole poet you are in this post

There are real canvasses here: '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. ' Also, ' the sea-weed caught in tidal flow, _ while crested white, the crystal waves _ fill thirsty rock pools feet below.'

The more i read this poem, the more i find it mesmerising, you've urged it to beckon me to 'thrill the heart today.'

[Chris Shaw]

It is a beautiful spot Em. One of my favourite places when I visit family. So natural and remains unspoiled. Thank you

Chris

[emmajoygreen]

I've yet to find Heaven on earth, Chris! As with people, places offer precious memories matical yet to be experiences. That said, your poem is still special. :)

[Chris Shaw]

I hope you find your heaven Em. Pleased to see you here a second time and that the poem is still special in your eyes. Thanking you

Chris

[heartsinice]

Beautifully written and the last paragraph could have been a short poem all by itself! Great work !

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much heartsinice. Welcome to my page. Pleased to meet you.

Chris

[Richard M]

Chris, this is so beautiful. A wonderful write, I love it! It's as if I was there, the imagery just fantastic! An enjoyable read

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed this poem Richard. It is a beautiful place to go and contemplate. In Devon quite close to where My Mum is. Thank you.

Chris