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!

[ohiojohn]

Another good one Christine! I don't know how you do it!! Your style reminds me of the Cary sister's from Ohio, Alice and Phoebe. Probably not well known over the pond, but rank among Ohio's best. Nationally, they are more known as Popular poets than Major ones.

Two of my favorites by Alice are-- "Among the beautiful pictures" and "A dream".

https://www.poemhunter.com/alice-cary/

[Chris Shaw]

Hello John, Thank you so much for your response. I do not know of the Cary sisters from Ohio, but I thank you for your link and will take a look. I thank you also for taking such an interest in my words. That means a great deal.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

lovely imagery on Mother reclaiming what is hers.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Andrew. I love to think of Mother nature reclaiming what is hers. It is sort of satisfying in a strange way.

[LKBillips]

I like the idea of this. That no matter how much crap we throw at it the world and the natural order of things will come back and take over. I see visions of those old theme parks abandoned and covered with foliage. Very beautiful and at the same time forlorn.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you LKB. We share the same feelings for Mother nature and how she can reclaim. I appreciate your thoughts and your response.