How Green is my Valley?

Upon this hill brow looking down

into a valley's wide eyed gaze,

refreshed by bird song and the sun

I see the work of yesterday.

Here tractors cut thick meadow grass

and left behind in even rows

their tracks, attracting feeding crows.

As grass now dries in autumn air

and morning mist evaporates

into a cloudless sapphire sky,

my hope that others not yet born

will tread this pathway and this space

will not fall foul to building bricks

to disappear without a trace.

Reviews

[Neville]

I was half expecting a dedication or a tribute to the old B&W movie by the same name which I now vividly remember as a young child making me cry (because I found it so emotional & quite writely sad) .. Having said all that, I am so bloomin glad my reflexes for once, were wrong .. in fact, seemingly way off mark .. Your penned observation can not be faulted and your expressed wishes and hopes, likewise shared unreservedly .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

This place is on my doorstep, a ten minute walk away. I hope it stays as it is. The developers move ever closer. The film, I too remember, in black and white, set in Wales and as you said, a sad one. Caught you then, with the title:) Many thanks Neville.

Chris

[Neville]

I hope they leave it be, too Chris

[Patricia]

first, lovely poem, second, the opening was terrific, third, yes, that is always the fear, brick and mortar taking over our beautiful scenery, heart breaking!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your encouraging review. A gem you are Patricia. All best wishes.

Chris

[Patricia]

You’re welcome dear Chris ;)

[KAREN]

Beautiful peaceful picture you have penned. Each and every line was so beautiful. I could see the hills and the green valley, hear the tractor. Nice JOB!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Karen. This lovely area is under threat of development. I am keeping my fingers crossed, it won't go ahead. A favourite walk of mine.

Chris

[KAREN]

I bet it's beautiful! You're welcome!

[Lathen Griffiths]

I love the rolling hills and British countryside and share your concern for how quickly parts of it seem to be vanishing, meaningful write Chris,

Lathe

[Chris Shaw]

We are a small island Lathe and over populated. Our green spaces are being reduced. Such a pity that whole areas are being built over. You share my concerns. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[red93]

Really Beautiful Work Chris and a nice nod to our Friends across the Severn. 14 lines ? And 8 syllables per line ? Nice :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony and yes a nod to our Welsh brothers and sisters. Pleased you enjoyed the read and noticed the syllable count too :)

Chris

[knighngale]

ahh you left the county, and are nostalgic, but then you find yourself hating it. LOL I love the whole imagery. I like the sound of grass, tracktors, and hills. It's so beautiful honey. I enjoyed it very much. Yes, yes, indeed. :D

[Chris Shaw]

I have all this in my own county, and on the doorstep. Hate the thought of developers building over it. Thank you for stopping by.

Chris

[knighngale]

yes dear. I don't LOL but I have a high bole there. LOL :D

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"my hope that others not yet born
will tread this pathway and this space
will not fall foul to building bricks
to disappear without a trace."
Chris, your title is spot-on and your enter poem carries this message. Heedless and callous destruction of nature in the name of "progress" is a high crime. Mining, construction, poisoning, killing-man does all these things for profit, power, greed....and the earth cries out. Your important verses are beautifully laid and rhymed, eloquent, filled with imagery and a wistful sense of loss. I feel this from them because you have expressed the feeling so perfectly. Kudos.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette, thank you for your thoughts. So spot on with my own. Sending you all good wishes from across the pond.

Chris

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

What vivid imagery you penned in this piece!

The reader can really visualize your words! Nicely done!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kathy for your lovely review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

My pleasure!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Our valleys here are green with trees; uncut forest for the most part. We don't have much in the way of grassland. But I can picture the scene from your words. I've driven through the Great Plains states where grass is all one sees for endless miles stretching out before you. In Kansas they burn the winter grass every spring to kill insects and pests before planting. It's unbelievable. The smoke and smoldering black fields stretch out like the plains of hell itself. I enjoyed the read. Bless, F.

[Chris Shaw]

Long may your valleys remain green. We are a small island and are fast losing our lovely green spaces. Such a pity for the generations to come. Thank you Fabian for your thoughts. Always a pleasure to see you on my page. Have a good day.

Chris

[Lisasview]

I so agree with JE...it is important to write down what we remember and know so generations that follow will have a better understanding of what happened now..
And, your words are crystal clear...
Loved this poem of yours..
Good morning... no rain so far today...
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Lisa, hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by to check this older poem out. Sun is just starting to peep through :)

[Lisasview]

You are most welcome..

[Melinda McQueen]

A nice picture pained.
What a lovely write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for the visit Melinda. Hope you are keeping well and happy.

Chris