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.

[Neville]

you just made a few micro-seconds last for an eternity .. quite simply beautiful Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. I saw it all in slow motion. I was able to capture it that way and make it last longer. Some things on the river are quite breath taking. This was such a moment.

Chris

[Neville]

I was write, wasn't I .. always .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

micro-seconds lasting an eternity …

Chris

[Neville]

...................... poetic licence :)

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Beautiful- can just see this imagery upon the water taking place full over grace- beautifully written with tenderness and beauty of nature at its best🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much sweet lady. Pleased you enjoyed the read. On holiday at the moment, struggling with internet access. I have not forgotten you and will read more of you when I am able.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

No need to explain and I don’t expect anything if you just the way you are is perfect- I’m day off today and tomorrow and living every minute- sunny here in South Woodham Ferrers Essex- but I’m lazy indoors going to take a nice long bath in a while- enjoy ur holiday and take care - 🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Have a lovely time, we have to make the most of the sun when we can get it. Wonderful Bank Holiday weather. Enjoy that lovely bath.

[barleygirl]

Stunning dynamic imagery that I could take in with all the senses. Your rhyming is strong, but as I read, the emphasis is never on your rhyming, as your poems often read like prose to me. Your storytelling aspect is so strong, I hardly notice the careful word crafting that goes into the smooth flow. Your delightfully painted scene grows more spectacular as the poem progresses & the last stanza is the kind we wish could last forever (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

You got me blushing Margie. High praise and much appreciated.

Fondest

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Chris, you paint a picture of primal magesty and splendor in your eloquent poem. Technical purity with “jewels” of superb, pristine imagery- “the mute glides on the crystalline”,....we see him dancing, twirling in the water with “ten thousand shards of diamonds” raining around him. Your brushstrokes paint him absolutely uninhibited, fearless and free. For that brief and glorious moment, he is the diamond-bedecked monarch of the river. Magnificent, Master-Class writing. Have saved this to inspire me. Thank you!

[Chris Shaw]

You are very kind with your review Annette. I am touched that this poem has inspired you.
read moreYou are very kind with your review Annette. I am touched that this poem has inspired you.

Chris

[Norman 223]

A lovely graphic description of the bigger splash that can only be effectively captured in words, yet those "jewels " are always present, even in moonlight ripples. The sparkle of surf on shingle is a treasure trove.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Norman for your lovely review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Ms. Tutolo]

Beautifully written and really draws you in.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kind review of my poem. Much appreciated.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, who is that magician behind the light show that is so beautiful as days pass into nights and dawns arrive...it is all magic...and the one behind it coordinates all of it so perfectly.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Yes our cCeator has truly blessed us with gifts that most don't even see.

[emmajoy]

'.. Like splintered glass, ten thousand shards ~ of diamonds glinting in full flight, ~ which sparkle as they greet the sun.'

Your words are what poetry is.. worded snapshots captured at a glance. Tis beautiful, Christine.. breathtakingly beautiful.

[Chris Shaw]

You are very kind with your review Em. pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[emmajoy]

More than pleased..

[Fabian G. Franklin]

What a wonderful and beautiful word picture you paint with brushstrokes of syllables from the palette of your imagination! Delightful! On an editorial note: Last word of the second stanza, "flings". Just a minor typo in a deliciously rich poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian and for the edit, will amend.

Chris