Against The Odds

Against The Odds

A Poem by Chris Shaw

On Windsor's bank a sapling grows,
straight-backed and graceful light on leaf.
A slender willow yet to weep,
supportive stakes, no sign of grief.

Ten paces to her left resides
a hollowed bole, two metres wide,
where once a mighty willow bowed
and dipped its tresses sweeping green
into the waters cooling flow.

I do not know what fate ordained
or why or how this tree was felled.
Today I heard it call to me.
'Don't fret or grieve for me', it said.
'Look closer at my roots where shoots
will prove I live, I am not dead'.

© 2018 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

Beautifully penned, as always Chris, and I hope you had a nice time over the christmas period...or a drunk one...or both :)
I see a lot of felled trees up here, as well as damaged ones being removed near the canal paths, and it always makes me feel a little sad, in a "got no respect for their elders" kinda way.
I dont know about down your way, but I was surprised to find out that it isnt the normal diseases causing this, like dutch elm, but they are being removed for environmental reasons.They are leeching all the industries of the pasts excesses back into the waterwaus and being replaced by young and unpolluted versions. Sad sight, the young replacing the old. You'll find that out some day :)
Ps...admit it, that was smooth :)

Posted 5 Years Ago


2 of 2 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

That was indeed smooth Lorry. You'll go far :)) Had a good time over the Christmas break. My glass w.. read more
Lorry

5 Years Ago

I heard you all whem n I was crossing the tarmac. Felt like the beatles, until I got tasered for tre.. read more
Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

:) …..…........



Reviews

wonderfully brilliant as always dear Chris, the essence never die. You always write the wisdom of nature in an enchanting and effective way, no doubt You are a true ponderer of everything around You.

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thank you dear lightsong for your continued encouragement. You know well how much I love nature. I s.. read more
Hi Chris, I guess we're all here, against all odds, even Willows ...
I love this concept ...
When a tree dies, it lives on in the limbs of its saplings,
when we die we live on the memories of those we've touched.
~Dylan :)

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thank you Dylan for those lovely thoughts. Yes, we do live on in the memories of those we touch. Mem.. read more
Dylan Macadham

3 Years Ago

Sleep well, Night Owl, when next you sleep :))
Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Hopefully soon :)
your poems seem always about the land....I told you before.... my sister says she can hear trees talking to her....I believe her she does not lie....some kind of druid stuff I guess...she has a whole yard of beautiful plants....I won't buy a $5 plant at the store, cause I know it will just die...anyway Chris, you know you are one of my faves....stars and flowers to you✨💐 have a sweet day

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thank you Jeff. You are right, I am close to nature. You know, I can't help thinking that maybe your.. read more
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This is such a beautiful poem.Yes when trees felled that sight is quite depressing....may be the other trees weep for it.You love nature to such extent that you portray everything related to nature so so beautifully.And here I am into everything...jack of all trades master of none:))
I wish to read more of your nature poems...they are so delicate

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thank you dear Sima. I am close to nature, but not a master of it :) And your poems are well crafted.. read more
.

3 Years Ago

You deserve all the encouragement...have a lovely day
I am assuming it is the Thames at Windsor Chris - and of course the Thames becomes the River Isis when it flows thru Oxford. You will not be surprised to learn that we spent many happy hours 'on the river' during my time at University, both the Isis and its tributary the Cherwell - indeed there is no point in going to Oxford if you are not river-friendly. I liked yr new Piece very much - indeed there is an element of Shakespeare himself in the mix, with the reference to Desdemona's Willow Song.

Posted 3 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Thank you Tony. Yes, the Thames and I know the Thames at Oxford well. Have navigated the river right.. read more
red93

3 Years Ago

Thanks Chris. Well you must keep Writing - often it is the best way to process confusing and difficu.. read more
Chris,

Right from the romantic English poets of the early 19th Century. I hope you don't plan to drown while sailing in a storm!!! You know . . . that Shelley guy!?

Tom

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

kentuck14

5 Years Ago

I will. thx.
Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Oops that read more is computer generated Tom. Not me being cheeky. I am more than grateful for your.. read more
kentuck14

5 Years Ago

Hey, that's what this site's for!
Very motivational and inspiring is the message of hope and tenacity of nature that I receive from your words here. And I marvel at your observational skills and knack for storytelling, putting them to such amazing use. Your poetry has such variety, it’s a delight to read every time. My compliments to you dear Chris!

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

I try to find interesting and varied subjects to write about DIVYA. It pleases me that you think my .. read more
Ayvid N

5 Years Ago

It’s always I pleasure and I love the takeaways from every poem of yours, dear Chris 💕
I always enjoy what's underneath so this intrigues me. It spoke to me of fortitude and always making it thru. As always well put together with a fine rhythm. Thank you for sharing!

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Many thanks Ranger for your visit. Happy New Year to you.

Chris
Really enjoyed this. I can relate to the salix holding onto the bank side as where I walk my dog the river is lined with them all overhanging the water. Thanks for sharing

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

I love walking by the river too George. Thank you for taking the time to read.

Chris
George David Hope

5 Years Ago

No problem. Haven't had the chance to do much reading or writing due to the Christmas period. Hoping.. read more
Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

I hope you find the time George.
Mother Nature only seems cruel if you apply "human" qualities and standards. We wring our hands when the tiger eats the baby antelope or the slow, aged former matriarch of the herd, but when only the strong survive, all living things--plants and animals/insects/reptiles, etc. benefit. Only humans demand a say and try to bend their environment to their shallow and self-serving desires.

I suspect the original tree gave way to the younger one because there is a greater need for the shelter and potential food source (small furries,insects, whatever) that the original could not provide or sustain. There is order in chaos, whether we "see" it or not.

Dang it! I wasn't going to get all deep and s**t this evening--had plans to watch cartoons and read a random pieces to get my "sea legs" back (I've been away for a while)but this is probably the fourth thought provoking piece I've read and now the neurons in my brain are snappin' and poppin' like downed power lines. And potentially as dangerous...soooooo, I'm outta here. Gotta a hot date with an episode of Tom and Jerry (yup, old school) before I retire.

Oops! *ahem* This piece read effortlessly, although this ugly American had to look up "bole", and the flow is seamless. Favorite line:

"A slender willow yet to weep,
supportive stakes, no sign of grief." Elegant but concise.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Pleased to meet you Carol. I thank you for your visit and your thoughtful response. Much appreciated.. read more

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Added on December 26, 2018
Last Updated on December 26, 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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