Benson Weir

I walk this sturdy, steel-grey bridge

which spans the river's flow,

to watch the gush and sudden rush

of water plunge below.

The wicked weir with all its force,

a source of fear to some.

And yet it holds a canvas bold

to thrill for days to come.

A thousand swirls of crystal twirls

cascade and dance for joy,

as continents of floating foam

surround a bobbing buoy.

A surge of moving marble peaks

collide with broken reeds,

and small suds on the margins form

a line of cut glass beads.

Too soon they merge then disappear,

lost in the downstream chase

where all becomes a memory 

of crystalline and lace.

Reviews

[peter Duggan]

Lovely images, beautiful Poem you have given to us here Christine. I must admit I enjoyed every word of it. I have always loved to be by a river. I only wish I could live by one. Seems that you like myself have a deep love for nature. Thank you for the share, my friend....Peter

[Chris Shaw]

I do have a deep love of nature Peter and the river is in my blood. I live close to the Thames. Thank you for your kind review.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

This is lovely Chris , whenever stand near a weir i always feel it is pulling me in, but i love the gush, swirl and foam , even the smell somtimes.
Gorgeous little images too"a line of cut glass beads." i can visualize them , tiny bubble like :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. I am always mesmerised by the power of the water and the noise it makes.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Great use of rhyme and the imagery is sharp and vivid.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Thomas. I appreciate your words.

Chris

[Writergurl]

A surge of moving marble peaks
collide with broken reeds,
and small suds on the margins form
a line of cut glass beads.

I LOVE this part, this whole write, This is wonderful and beautiful. Enjoyable read here.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you writergurl for your encouraging review. Pleased you enjoyed the view of Benson weir.
read moreThank you writergurl for your encouraging review. Pleased you enjoyed the view of Benson weir.

Chris

[Neville]

a little masterpiece if ever there was .. I reckon I could go find the exact same spot you depict so well without any bother at all.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. Yes, you would find the same spot and marvel at the movement and sound of the river water as it flows downstream. Certainly mesmerising to watch for sure. I appreciate you giving this older poem an airing. I haven't read it myself for quite sometime. Pleased you enjoyed it.

Chris

[barleygirl]

About half my life I’ve lived in remote areas & there’s often a river or creek to behold. As a kid, I would put a leaf into the water stream & then follow it along until I couldn’t penetrate the shoreline tangle anymore. Your poem reminds me of my own lifelong fascination with flowing water. I love your detailed observations & sparkling descriptions so originally-stated. It’s fun to compare your experience, as being possibly in a more populated area, making this nature connection. (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. The source of the Thames is deep in country but further downstream it hits the towns and then the city. I've always been close to the river. Thank for your lovely review.
Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Lovely, vivid portrayal.
High-level poetry!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Jimmy, pleased you enjoyed.

Chris

[sette]

nicely written i can visualize the beauty of the place

[Chris Shaw]

very beautiful to look at sette. Thank you for your kind review.

[sette]

you are welcome