The Fells From Derwentwater

Dark-veined, foreboding are the fells

whose summits hide behind thin veils

of ghostly, drifting, smoke-like trails.

Today you wear your autumn coat,

of bracken brown and hooker green.

The forests thick with graded pine

look down upon the sturdy oaks

whose cloaks are mellow-yellow gold.

How cold the lake appears in rain,

slate-grey, the crested waves roll by

and you and I in motor launch,

undaunted by a sullen sky,

aware this landscape and her moods

have wooed us.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

A very vivid word picture here. The scene is the Lake District of England in the fall. I had never heard the word "fells" before, but apparently they are elevations that are higher than hills, but don't quite acquire the stature of mountains, and are often barren of greenery. The autumnal colors are splendid, but the weather seems forbidding on the lake.The speaker and an addressee are in a motor launch, and the poem's last lines may be a comment on their relationship. Is there some turbulence in it? We are left to speculate.
PS: I once had a friend named Drinkwater who told me the name was originally "Derwentwater."

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks JTB for calling on this older poem out for an airing. The Lake District is incredibly beautiful but the mists can roll in without notice. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

You could make a fortune as a song writer.

I love how tight and... well, you've been complimented enough here so, lets just say, I love how you write.

I wish I could do what you do.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that very generous review. All the best.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Apologies.

[Chris Shaw]

Accepted....

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, when I was about twenty, the family went to the Lake District for the last time, I can still remember the beauty of the lakes and the fells, the rolling hills and the small villages. I always wanted to live there, a dream of mine. You bring to life the scenes through your wonderful words. It was always raining when we went but that never put me off. Your descriptive words paint the landscape of my mind. I see the beauty I saw all those years ago, even though they were grey days. I thank you most sincerely for the memories, Chris. Have a wonderful Saturday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mike happy to remind you of your last family visit to the lakes. Pleased that you delved into your memory box. Thank you fir your lovely review and all good wishes on a dull cold Saturday.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Really enjoy the autumnal mood of this piece
Although our area is not blessed with mighty Oaks, I can feel the scene with all its colors
Also enjoyed the Derwentwater reference especially after watching so many 'Move to the Country' programs with all the different humorous location names

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. You are still watching those move to the country programmes then? We do have some very special countryside away from the mad cities and towns. Pleased you checked in.

Chris

[Patricia]

How beautifully you paint the landscape and convey feelings, it’s so artistic, lovely poetry

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely review Patricia. All the best.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

For some reason, I had a different picture in mind when I read this. I know that fells are not quite mountains but the images brought to mind my beloved Appalachians. The same wisps of trailing fog gracing the peaks and drifting on the valley floor. The colors splashed on the hillsides. The winters of rain and fog instead of snow. I love the images you created, and understand how they make you feel!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by and leaving such a lovely review Zoe. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… your poetry is awesome and describes feelings that I have when Winter settles on our Rappahannock River… but then some days the Sun comes out and Charms me so. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. Oh yes, when the sun shines, the mood becomes lighter. The foreboding goes. The fells wet e heavyweight that day :)

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Cold rainy misty days have a special beauty.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Shelley for stopping by. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All good wishes.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

You're welcome Chris. I hadn't been on the forum for a couple weeks. Nice to be back on.

[Vertigo Cat1111]

A perfect, vivid and chilling wintry poem! It’s as if it really makes you feel that later time of the year magic, and every color you mentioned painted the most beautiful poem. You really got that empty, cool sky feeling and all the excitement and warmness that comes from this time. It’s so vibrant but shady like a cloudy winter day. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful piece (:

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Colacat fir your very generous review. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. All good wishes.
read moreThank you Colacat fir your very generous review. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. All good wishes.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Must be the lake District, which is beautiful in all its moods; have been there summer where all is lush green; but I 'm sure it is lovely in fall as well, even on a rainy day....where ripples become more like waves; there is a certain mysteriousness about this area, and these two lovers peacefully motoring on the lake were in their own world despite the looming sky, just enjoying each other's company. fine images of the surrounding hills. Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you have visited the Lake District Betty. It is truly beautiful in all four seasons. Many thank yous fir your lovely review. Take care my friend.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris and you take care too!!
Best, B

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Even in the cold Nature is still beautiful. and living in pennsylvania I know

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale for your visit and lovely review. All the best.

Chris