How Green is my Valley?

How Green is my Valley?

A Poem by Chris Shaw

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.

© 2018 Chris Shaw


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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

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

This place is on my doorstep, a ten minute walk away. I hope it stays as it is. The developers move .. read more
Neville

1 Year Ago


I hope they leave it be, too Chris



Reviews

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!

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

Chri.. read more
Patricia

2 Years Ago

You’re welcome dear Chris ;)
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!!!

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you Karen. This lovely area is under threat of development. I am keeping my fingers crossed, i.. read more
KAREN

2 Years Ago

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

We are a small island Lathe and over populated. Our green spaces are being reduced. Such a pity that.. read more
Really Beautiful Work Chris and a nice nod to our Friends across the Severn. 14 lines ? And 8 syllables per line ? Nice :)

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you Tony and yes a nod to our Welsh brothers and sisters. Pleased you enjoyed the read and no.. read more
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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

I have all this in my own county, and on the doorstep. Hate the thought of developers building over .. read more
knighngale

2 Years Ago

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Dear Annette, thank you for your thoughts. So spot on with my own. Sending you all good wishes from .. read more
What vivid imagery you penned in this piece!

The reader can really visualize your words! Nicely done!

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you Kathy for your lovely review. Most appreciated.

Chris
KATHY SUE SILLS

2 Years Ago

My pleasure!
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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Long may your valleys remain green. We are a small island and are fast losing our lovely green spac.. read more
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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Good morning Lisa, hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by to check this older poem out.. read more
Lisasview

2 Years Ago

You are most welcome..
A nice picture pained.
What a lovely write.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

Chris

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Added on September 18, 2018
Last Updated on September 18, 2018

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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