Rural England

The recent rain, has made the land far greener.

I look upon the vales and hills

of pleasant pastures, verdant hues,

the winding lanes and wooded copse

where English oaks reach for the sky.

Where Saxon, Norman churches lie

in villages beside the green,

and bells peal out on Sunday morn.

In summer time the roses climb

up walls of whitewashed cottages

to reach the neat and thickened thatch.

Confetti petals fall on paths,

small children play upon the lawns,

both men and boys strike out with bats

at cricket balls, the crease well kept.

The Thames meanders from its source,

a trickle first but then grows wide,

a fleet of geese take off in flight.

This river courses through my blood,

it swells with heavy rain and floods

the land where purple loosestrife stands

to line the banks worn thin by wash.

And all this water glides on down

to where it meets the tidal flow,

to urban sprawl where I was born

but now I'm torn as I've become

far fonder of the countryside.

The city has its elegance

for me its majesty has died.

Reviews

[Stella Armour]

I didn't know you were from London, that is where my parents were from. I fully appreciate your words about England's green countryside, its heritage , all of its wonder to be found travelling rural roads.

You have painted for your readers some wonderful canvasses within this poem .

I live in a city but it is a mix of old and new.....

[Chris Shaw]

Hammersmith born Stella, though it has changed beyond all recognition now. I very rarely go back because it is not the London I knew or that of my parents and all four grandparents. It holds nothing for me now except memories. I have built a life round the countryside, preferring the greenery and the relative peace and quiet. Thank you for your lovely review.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

I envy you living in the countryside, i really do.
My ancestors were all from Mile End and Stratford .

of course i am a Yorkshire girl lol

[Chris Shaw]

You can be whoever you want to be Stella. Every poet knows that:))

[Stella Armour]

Too true, and to be honest i quite like just being myself... take me or leave me lol :))

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous imagery. You paint this picture so well.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Thomas. Your visit much appreciated.

[Ken Simm.]

The beauty of the land with an edge. History, looks and memories. All here.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken. An old poem out for an airing. I appreciate your visit.

[Neville]

What a very pretty picture you have painted here for us Chris .. more like a photographic image .. indeed, tis quintessentially English .. and surely to be enjoyed around the globe .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. This is a very old poem out for an airing. The English countryside is admired by many, far and wide.

[Eilis]

A lovely lyrical poem, Chris. I have also had the opportunity to live in both the countryside and the city and I do feel more at home near the woods and surrounded by the beauty of nature. The spirit can quieten there and work toward finding itself.

Your panoramic view of your poem makes me long to walk the beautiful walks in your country. So much different to mine and something I’ve always wanted to do. The walks through fields and by rivers. Your poem is a lovely glimpse into that and I really enjoyed it. The peace of it.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Eilis, it is a lovely surprise to find you here. I hope all is good in your world. This is an old poem out for an airing and it pleases me that you enjoyed the peace it offers. I have returned after a break myself. So pleased you stopped by. All the best.

[Eilis]

Glad you have you back, Chris.

[red93]

How I have missed yr dulcet tones and fine Work on the Cafe Chris. Delighted you have returned, Christ-like, to enlighten us again. More more more please ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Tony, thank you so much for all your encouragement. Not sure my muse is up to much at the moment. She appears to have gone walkabouts. Hope all is good with you and I so appreciate you stopping by.

[Chris]

Match THIS to today...sigh. It isn't so much that perceptions change as it is that what is being perceived isn't what was - ya know? Hi Chris, good seeing you.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Chris, I am touched to find you stopped by here on my return. Thank you so much. I so agree, this England here of my much younger days, isn’t as it is now. The poem is a reminder of what once was. I very much appreciate this visit. All the best to you.

[Lorry]

Ah, England's Green and pleasant (not to mention soggy) land in all its finery, where you're not allowed to jump in puddles, case you ruin your Sunday best and get a thwack for your troubles too!
And I'm with you on the city vs countryside debate. There is nothing that would drag me back to city living, when all I have to do is wake up and as I make my first coffee of the day, click my fingers just to make sure I haven't went deaf in the night.
Need a reminder? Just go to your local supermarket on a Saturday, park and watch everyone have a thrombosis trying to navigate their existence into the mythical free space! It can be quite hilarious. 😃
Glad to see you back. Hope you and yours are well.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lorry, thanks for the smile about supermarket parking on a Saturday. I avoid it at all costs. This old poem is out for an airing. It hasn’t seen the light of day for six years. I hope all is well in your world and your health has improved. I too am pleased to find you back in this place. Have a great weekend and many thank yous for stopping by to say hello. Much appreciated.

[Lorry]

Healthier, despite currently having a cold, which surely after the devastation covid caused should now be renamed leaky nose sniffles! 😃

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you are feeling healthier:) Yes, the sniffles after experiencing a bout of COVID doesn’t compare. Keep well :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Christine. I love the countryside more than the city. I liked your description of the countryside. Here in Michigan. Lakes and land away from cities. Perfect and beautiful. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Always country for me Coyote. Not comfortable anymore in the busy cities. You agree also. Thank you for reading.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Christine. If I had a option. live away from the city.

[Jon Roggie]

I knew it!
Sorry, I was guessing on where you were from by how you spelled humour.
Cities can be fun,
but I prefer the country.
A cold morning in the desert is beautiful.

Jon

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jon. Never experienced a cold morning in a desert, but country is where my heart is.

Chris

[Jon Roggie]

As a teenager, I passed through England. Restrained to the airport in Gatwick before moving on to West Germany.

[Chris Shaw]

You didn't see much then sadly. Our countryside is beautiful.

[Jon Roggie]

The odd feeling I got was when I was in the countryside in Germany. It felt used. I don't know how to explain it.

[Chris Shaw]

Maybe it had been well used. Farmers maybe from centuries before. Picking up vibes. Stranger things have happened.

[Jon Roggie]

Could be. Nice to meet you. Time for a moment of slumber. Until next time.
Jon

[Chris Shaw]

Sweet dreams. Nice to talk to you Jon.

[alanwgraham]

England's green and pleasant land conjures up a host of golden images! Those places can still be found, where country lanes and village greens abound. But as you have alluded to, there is an England of another ilk. Nothing is forever!
Well done Christine for a very thought provoking piece!
Regards,
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Alan. Hoping our green belt will not be destroyed.

[alanwgraham]

You are welcome to join us in Scotland Christine. We are happy to accept immigrants! Ha Ha!
Lang may your lum reek!
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Now you are gonna have to translate that last line Alan! Ha. You got much more space up there than we have, but feel sure you don't wanna be invaded by us sassanachs (is that how you spell it?)

[alanwgraham]

Long may your chimney (lum) smoke (reek) - have a long life. My wife is English so it can be tricky!

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha, Oh yes you must have learned the art of diplomacy by now Alan!