Jewels of the River

Out of the mists of early dawn

that veil the river's sleepy flow

which roll across the dew-wet fields

to linger where the hedgerows grow.

In waters spiked with broken reeds

float lily leaves, small craft shaped boats,

a lonesome swan dips down to feed

beguiling in his down-white coat.

Bright sun breaks through, it glows rich gold,

the mute glides on the crystalline,

then stands in shallows near the bank,

surveying all that he deems fine.

His plumage shapes into a fan,

he preens himself, full stretches wings,

then flaps the surface, whips up drops

of crystal water which he flings

into the air with mighty force,

dispersing spray caught in the light.

Like splintered glass, ten thousand shards

of diamonds glinting in full flight,

which sparkle as they greet the sun.

Ten seconds pass, the show is done,

the gems rain down and all are lost,

beneath the river, every one.

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Dear Chris,

I read the poem just enthralled at the climax of the scene. The spectacular things in Nature are sometimes so hidden and there must be so much of it happening if only we'd care to look for them. This was one such event that could beat a grand stage show hollow and none can compete with it's glory, nor recreate it with the best of human heads.

Once again, it's your sheer gift for bringing a thing of such breathtaking beauty in all its vividness to the reader. First, the buildup, then the introduction of the swan and then whipping up of the crystal storm and its splintering into a thousand shards, its all written with such flair and skilled beauty. I could absolutely see it in slow motion with a maestro's symphony accompanying it , in my mind.

Kudos! This was an unforgettable reading experience!

[Chris Shaw]

Divya, I thank you for your review. Thrilled I am that you enjoyed this poem. Yes, I tried to slow it all down to capture all the splendour. Lovely it was to witness. Have a great day.

Chris

[AYVID N]

It was such a pleasure to read. You have a great day too.

[Stuart Munro]

Beautiful poem ,Chris , I go to lakeside park , and sit and watch the swans , Canadian geese , ducks ,herring , there’s an island in the middle , nature can bring peace within yourself

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stuart. Some wonderful things to view lakeside. You are so right, nature can bring relaxation and peace. Pleased you stopped by today. All the best.

Chris

[willweb]

Another beautiful poem from your pen my friend. I know it's an older piece but like fine wine, that makes it better

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say will. You are a charmer. Thank you so much for stopping by. Hope your Sunday has been a good one so far.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

beautiful, Chris. ... I catch the flow and see the setting, scene and story unfold before me .. so much sparkle and glory in your mist dawn river morning .. very much enjoyed it .. every drop .. and enchanted by their disappearing .. so fine says i!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E. Thank you for sharing a few moments in the life of a swan. An older poem but one I felt needed a breath of spring air. Hope you are keeping well my friend.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

i am Chris .. and i hope the same and more for you ;)

[Lorry]

Well if I didn't know better I'd think you were looking over my shoulder. I'm in Durness right now, right at the tippy top of Scotland, leisurely doing the West Coast 500.
The more you see of Scotland, the more Scottish you become... So says English Katie anyway 😊
I keep saying things like bonnie to describe the sights and if tonight is any indication, I might well be looking through our own mist in the morning. (Ken must have better weather where he is, otherwise everything he paints would just be called misty smudge 😊
I love it here and should come back more often. It feels like my lungs only started working when I breathed in and felt the air hit my toes.
You painted such a bonnie picture with your words here lass and no mistake. Ooch! Is that the time, crivvens and jings etc. 😊
I must say, I'm looking forward to breakfast in the morn though. I've asked for some broth and a scone, just so I can dip my broth in my scone like a true Highland f***wit (an old Billy Connolly joke)
If it's a clear day tomorrow I'm hoping to wave hello to Ireland, if its a clear day....
I better get my wellies and waterproofs out well! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lorry, thanks for your late night review from Durness at the tippy top of Scotland. Sounds like you are having a grand time in the company of English Katie. Broth and scone eh? Think I’ll give that one a miss:) Pleased you enjoyed this older poem, out for a breath of spring air. I’ll be over soon to review you. Hope your Sunday has been good.

Chris

[Lorry]

It has indeed lassie, but why is it we turn all touristy and end up getting fleeced for souvenirs? I wouldn't mind, but it was for authentic EDINBURGH rock???

[Stella Armour]

love the introduction from the early dawn and then as morning breaks the images come to life.
All in just moments a beautiful spectacle has occured, and then is gone...

I like this kind of imagery ... one of your best Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Stella. Pleased you enjoyed this older poem. Written about eight years ago just before my brother died. In fact I can remember writing it while he rested. I tried to capture it all in slow motion :)

Chris

[Stella Armour]

It is a lovely poem , i have a few like that and i never know what to call them , so they get called "Moments" lol.

[Temperance]

This is such a beautiful poem with imagery that puts the reader there witnessing the same splendor and all the diamonds glinting. Thank you for sharing. I truly enjoyed the read. Temp

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Temp for your lovely review. An older write, out for an airing.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

very nice

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dave.

Chris

[JE Falcon]

Such a pleasant view among your words, Thanks.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Falcon. You are appreciated.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Lovely rhythm and use of rhyme quieted by enjambment. One of your best with subtle syntax irregularities that nicely feed the rhythm.
Two quotes from Ezra Pound: 1) rhythm is a form cut into time. 2) The answer is: LISTEN to the sound that it makes.

I listened; I liked.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. An old poem resurrected by Neville. Pleased you liked it. I had quite forgotten this one, but can see it now years later.in all its majestic surroundings.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Old can be good, can it not?

[Chris Shaw]

Maybe it can