Reclaimed

Nature has a way or reclaiming what was hers.

Sunken stones lie undisturbed

on graves of strangers where I pass.

Unloved bedside old English oaks

half-hidden in the uncut grass.

In hallowed ground for many years,

discarded by much travelled kin.

No doubt they've met their sunsets too,

their allocated time beset

by other setbacks, other ghosts.

The headstones host the climbing vines,

which creep, entwine and leave their mark,

invading open spaces with

their mocking of the chiselled parts

that name the long forgotten dead.

Bindweed and ivy wander free,

extend across the cherabhims

a trail which links their tiny wings,

unchecked, unhindered as they spread.

Yes, nature has its stubborn streak,

reclaims in time, what's left behind.

And I recall a railway line,

unused where steam once fogged the air,

that's smothered now in rambling green.

Between the tracks where shadows fall,

are trees and saplings stretching tall

and echoes of the past are lost

like vapour trails in atmosphere.

Reviews

[AYVID N]

A point to be pondered on, we are so fleeting and there will come day, after the passage of just a few generations, that none will be left on earth, who remember us, just like those in the graves you have so fascinatingly described. The beauty of those long forgotten graves overrun by vegetation leaps out from the page to haunt the reader. This poem will remain with me for a long time.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. If anyone remembers anything I write, I consider that an achievement. Thank you.read moreThank you DIVYA. If anyone remembers anything I write, I consider that an achievement. Thank you.
Really appreciate your words.

Chris

[AYVID N]

You are very welcome Chris!

[Neville]

as a matter of both my personal opinion and I suspect, a general fact of life, these words are magnificent .. they are indeed timeless & true & I suspect will be around far longer than both me n you :)

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say Neville. Thank you so much for your encouragement and for giving this old poem an airing.

Chris

[Pete]

Mother Nature has the last word. my gosh, such strong sentiment, almost haunting. this is most excellent and took my breath away. love the wording, imagery and flow. top-notch write which leaves a lasting impression. bravo Chris ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Delighted Pete that you really enjoyed this poem. Thank you so much for your response.

Chris

[Pete]

my pleasure when i read something so beautiful from an equally so heart ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

That's a lovely thing to say, and you have made my day Pete :))

[Pete]

simply returning the favor - your poem made my day. thank you ... :)

[Beccy]

I absolutely adore this poem; it reminds me so much of the poetry I read as a child, (and still do,) the English romantics who used the eternal power of nature versus the transient footprint of our species to such brilliant allegorical effect.

This is a timeless, well written poetry; and each stanza is a joy.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely review Beccy. So pleased that my words sing for you. Thank you.

Chris

[dead letter office]

a lovely atmospheric piece, full of musings on the meaning of life.

peace and blessings to you

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Christos Victor. Pleased to meet you and thank you for calling on my page.

Chris

[Crowley]

this had the feeling of impending Chaos or chaos passed to me. I don't think that is what you wanted..lol. but the description and "stubbornness of nature made me think of post apocalyptic as well as historical. this was visually stunning and had a desperateness to it that I love. Great work!!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Crowley. A great review. All the best

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Nature's reclamation is incessant and inevitable.
Everything man builds is quite temporary; virtually built on quicksand.
Great poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. All the best

Chris

[Yousra Alsubaihi]

A nice poem , I feel it in side , I hope to you the best .

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your appreciation.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

especially the last stanza...i love looking at things like that and imagining memories of when they were in use...like looking at an old abandoned factory building and imagining it in its hay day...all the activity that engaged, long before all the windows were broken out.

[Chris Shaw]

We have that in common Jacob. I look at derelict houses and imagine the people who lived there and what they were like. Thank you.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

This is a haunting piece that reminds of the impermanence of all flesh and form. I have for long had an affinity for old graveyards, which seem to regard life with more individuality than the rows of flat, flip up urns that populate modern cemeteries. Even the reclaiming vegetation described here has it own comforting effect. We die, but return to what we were. Very nice offering here.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your interesting response. I also frequent graveyards. The most interesting one was Highgate Cemetery. You have to book a guided tour. fascinating place and the people buried there.... many famous, artists, poets, scientists, politicians, actresses. That is a place where parts of it have been reclaimed by nature.

Chris