The City from Primrose Hill

(Extensive views across the City of London from the top of Primrose Hill)

We climbed the slopes of Primrose Hill

to stand beneath a grey cloud sky.

Rich autumn hues and city views,

St Paul's, the Shard, the London Eye.

Atop this summit clearly seen,

a stretch of green where people sit

to picnic on warm summer days,

where birds in trees will sing and flit.

No finer panoramic scene

when sun broke through to smile on us,

as if to say we are amused,

its golden glow an added plus.

And did you know that Blake once said

he had conversed there with the sun?

On Primrose Hill, he felt the thrill,

its spirit spoke while he stood dazed,

enchanted by the wealth it spun.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved these words. You are right. We are lucky to be able to share a view, once seen by the ancient writer and people before us. The wonderful description made the reader see too. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you too Coyote for taking the time to read so much of my work in one go. Truly appreciated.read moreThank you too Coyote for taking the time to read so much of my work in one go. Truly appreciated.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I love your work. I have been busy. New job and you are welcome Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much, hope your new job goes well.

[Neville]

Ah' yes indeed a proper poem about a place I have never physically been, but which you have just taken me to as clearly, as if I had .. Thoroughly enjoyed & so richly expressed, for a moment, I felt myself reaching for the Ambre Solaire ..

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Neville. My friend Pandora who featured in the poem you reviewed recently, took me to Primrose Hill with its magnificent panoramic views of the city of London. She also had a great love for poetry and appreciated what Blake had written. I’m pleased you called on this one because I have been thinking about her recently.

Chris

[Neville]

must be something we ate .................. N :)

[Jimmy Yetts]

The United Kingdom: A land of world-changing history and the highest, most meaningful culture.
Truly significant, of course, because you live there, Chris.
Lovely poetic bauble!

[Chris Shaw]

Sadly dear Jimmy too late to thank you in person for this review given four years ago, which I have just come across. You are missed and I want to thank you for all the support both at VN and here at WC over the years. RIP dear poet and friend.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

awww tha's beautiful...great easy flowing rhyme...i admire the gift of that ...i am not very good at it myself :) i don't know if you have ever been there but in reading i believe you must have .. and your poem inspires me to go a-googlin' to see your Primrose Hill... fine job at poetry says i!
E.
https://youtu.be/nfI-y6dWYwo

[Chris Shaw]

Aw yes, I have been there and will never forget it. The view is spectacular across the city of London, but if the sun comes out as well, then you will see what Blake saw. Many thank yous Einstein N.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

did you visit the song link?

[Chris Shaw]

Just about to do so my friend. Will come back here afterwards

[Chris Shaw]

Having a problem with that link at the moment. tried four times without success. I'll give it a go later. Looking forward to it :)) And thank you

[Einstein Noodle]

its an oldie you most likely are too young to have heard ;) its called Primrose Lane by Jerry Wallace ..its a good one ;)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you, I'll try finding it without the link :))

[Einstein Noodle]

nice to chat with you a bit this morning Christine .. top o' the mahrnin' to ya!

[Chris Shaw]

The song was really nice. Hadn't heard of Jerry Wallace before, but he has a great voice. While he sang, I also saw primroses, roses, perfume and dancing lovers. All in all perfectly lovely, and I thank you so much.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

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

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Derekv]

Excellent piece, Chris. The imagery you can create in a brief poem is fantastic, and it never fails to pull me in.

Keep up the good work!

-Derekv

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely response from you Derekv. So pleased you enjoyed the read. Always good to see you on my page

Chris

[Indra's Child]

You've created a small masterpiece here, this is elegant as it is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing this with the world.
Boop booop
Lp

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this and happy to share. Thank you and boop boop

Chris

[Crowley]

Wow really cool rhyme scheme the fifth stanza threw me for a second. This flowed amazingly well and I felt like I was getting a history lesson and an awesome piece of poetry at the same time. Now I want to sit on Primrose hill. My first trip to Europe last year was amazing as it seemed like a postcard every where I looked. Great stuff!!

[Chris Shaw]

The view from the top of Primrose Hill gives a panoramic view of the city of London. It is spectacular, and if the sun comes out as well then you'll see what Blake saw. Thanks Crowley.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Lovely rhyme scheme. You have a knack for bringing the reader in and giving them a very vivid tour of your mind.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Lyn.

Chris

[emmajoy]

'And did you know that Blake once said ~ he had conversed there with the sun? ~ On Primrose Hill, he felt the thrill,~ its spirit spoke while he stood dazed, ~ enchanted by the wealth it spun.'

This is such fine writing Chris" Somehow, seemingly gently, you've made that great anthem, 'Jerusalem' come alive by describing how London looks and what it means. Who would believe that a settlement off the banks of the river Thames would come to represent the greatest city in the world.. is nothing short of amazing. Not one for hordes, neon or noise, i still thrill at the mention of old Lunnon, its history and traditions. You've nudged, beckoned and gently added the seasoning of it all. Beautiful writing, beautiful sentiment, thank you, dear friend - very much.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em for your wonderful response. If you ever get a chance, go and see it for yourself.
read moreThank you Em for your wonderful response. If you ever get a chance, go and see it for yourself.

Chris

[emmajoy]

I'd go to London far more than i do, if i noise and crowds, Chris! Of course have been up there many times in the past. Miss the theatres, art galleries, markets, Highgate cemetary, the great V & A, etc. Used to love exploring but, have willingly (at least for now) become entrenched in the countryside! However, your lovely poem has reminded me of our capital's beauty and grandeur... thank you. xx

[Chris Shaw]

I meant Primrose Hill Em. Climbing up to see that spectacular panorama of the city of London is something else. I am a Londoner, but do not visit often now, it has changed beyond recognition and I also prefer the tranquility of countryside to noise and crowds. Like you have seen the galleries, Highgate cemetery, the museums et al but it does not have that magnetic pull anymore for me. xx

[emmajoy]

We'd do better in a dell with a packet of naughties and a flask of.. watching birds playing catch up with the clouds... wouldn't we!!! xx Not sure if I've been to Primrose Hil or not, but, maybe i should make a visit and think of you breathing its magic!

[Onlyme]

Oh, I really loved this Chris. Never been to London. And I could picture this scene in my visions. Wonderful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dee, the panoramic view of the city of London is amazing.

[Onlyme]

It sounds it Chris.

[Ardra]

You have beautifully painted it for all of us to see....thank you .. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Ardra. All good wishes and the best for you.

Chris