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 :))

[emipoemi]

This reads like a solemn lullaby of sorts, and I gotta say I was lulled. Almost makes me want to go and see this place for myself. Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

You wouldn't be disappointed if you viewed yourself. Thank you

Chris

[emipoemi]

I wouldn't doubt it.
You're welcome.

[emmajoy]

I can't fault the content from the first 'a' to the final 'z' -( if there is a latter) . Your writing is where i live, where my mind and heart stems from. Have travelled, been to so many countries and there's hardly a oneof which I've not found something that fascinates or touches me - made memories by the hundreds, maybe thousands.. . but the joy of coming back to ' the vales and hills ~ of pleasant pastures, verdant hues, ~ the winding lanes and wooded copsei.. ' and '.. Thames meanders from its source, ~ a trickle first but then grows wide, ~ a fleet of geese take off in flight. ~ This river courses through... ' just thrills and comforts me. As for the cities, I'm not a city person, the noise, push and shove stresses me, yet. in spite of some of the monstrosities that have been built in the past x years, LONDON is still one of the greatest in the world. Your poem, its emotion, your skill is simply.. beautiful, Christine. .

[Chris Shaw]

I like you Em am always so happy to return to what I love best. It's the gentle peace, soft country sounds and familiar smells that lift my spirits. As for London, I am proud to be a Londoner, always will be, acknowledge that it is a magnificent city with its rich historical interest, but it is no longer where my spirit dances. Thank you Em, have a lovely day.

Chris

[emmajoy]

This Dorset 'girl' says you're oh so welcome.

[Chris Shaw]

We are fortunate to have these gifts on our doorstep. Many wouldn't even recognise them if they were thrust under their noses.

[emmajoy]

So very true.. standing and staring is one of my favourite daydreams.. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Yes and is often the inspiration for our writing :))

[emmajoy]

Very true.. off and away now.. bless your heart.. as granny used to say.

[Chris Shaw]

:)) ....................................

[Davidgeo]

You have a good cadence to your writing. And you describe things well enough to immerse the reader into your surroundings which is no easy task.

TS Eliot wrote in a similar descriptive spirit with his Four Quartets... I especially thought of East Coker as I read this.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. I do not know East Coker, but believe it is where the remains of T S Eliot are buried, in the Somerset countryside. I'll have to look up Four Quartets, because I am not familiar with these works, even though I have read a little of T S Eliot. I appreciate your comments.
Chris