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

I can relate to this one, Christine. When I was in high school, walking along the shore in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood was such a pleasure. We would walk for miles and see nothing but the sand, the sea, and the seagulls. Walking there now we see only high rise condominiums and a shrinking beach. It is sad. What will our children and grandchildren see? Will there be any open space for them to enjoy? I often wonder. Your love of nature comes through loud and clear here. Lydi**

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

I think that's it Lydi**, the thought that our children and grandchildren will miss out on something.. read more
A universal plaint, sure to tug at several heartstrings, resonate with many minds. What have we done to our olden hamlets, family houses, quaint little by-lanes where we rambled as kids? Is quality of human life to be measured only with material and quantifiable things?

Your poem is soused with nostalgia and a yearning to a simpler time. The ending is a gentle diatribe against the receding shoreline and smothered skyline.

A terrific write.

Best,
M.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

I love how that final line of yours sums up my thoughts. Thank you Mallika.

chris
Understandable sentiments--lovely, as well.
A write I'm glad I didn't miss!

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Many thanks Jimmy, for checking this one out. Your thoughts appreciated.

Chris
This is such a refreshing poem Chris!
I really enjoyed reading it!
And your right!
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.
My favorite lines!
I really do hope it won't happen in the future...

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Flowers of Eternity (so gorgeous that name), thank you so much for your appreciation of this piece o.. read more
reminds me of two things i really like....well Vermont...loved that state...and our vacations there.
and the movie...

this reminds me how i always look at areas here in Southern Illinois and seeing how beautiful the landscape is, wish that those areas will never be overrun by industry, malls or apartments and high rises.

j.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Yes that movie, all people of a certain age remember that one with much affection Jacob. Pleased my .. read more
Articulate American hillbillies should love this.

That may not sound complimentary but it was.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Nope can't say I have but I am very familiar with How To Kill A Mockingbird. Maybe I'll look up Ozar.. read more
Davidgeo

6 Years Ago

It's on Netflix. There's no real parallel between 'mockingbird' and Ozark. Just different versions.. read more
Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thanks. I'll check it out sometime.
A freshly harvested field on a brisk fall day. Love this picture you paint. It is sad to see farmland being taken over by industry. That happens a lot where I live, as the population grows they just keep expanding. I wish rather they would fix what's already here, refurbish and repair. Nice poem Chris. I'm excited for fall now. :)

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

We are losing green belt land as our population increases and the need to build more housing continu.. read more

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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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