Whiteknights

(Name of a campus in Reading University)

In my mind's eye

I reflect on summer,

when early morning mist lifts

to reveal the tranquility

of calm waters.

A soothing stillness,

sun's heat working it's magic.

Abracadabra 

showing the serene allure,

the pureness of what had been concealed

by nature's veils.

It is winter tragic.

On the sixth day they found him.

They dragged him from the lake

in the campus grounds.

The lake that had taken him

with its icy grip,

on the coldest night of the year.

A wicked white night.

This morning the mists

have thickened in my eyes

and I despise that callous side

of all that I have grown to love best.

Like a cruel lover testing, testing

my limits.

Reviews

[Anjeline]

It's a absolutely lovely poem Chris. It had both a beautiful description of the nature and emotions. I loved the turn in the poem and really liked the lines-The lake that had taken him
with its icy grip,
on the coldest night of the year.
A wicked white night.
It's really a very nice and emotional poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Anjeline for your thoughtful review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Anjeline]

You're welcome :)

[Neville]

Its not hard to see why you felt compelled to write about this our Chris .. from personal experience, such tragedies occur more often than many might imagine .. sadly enjoyed .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville, not too many drownings in iced water thankfully. An old poem that has received some warm air from your visit. Have yourself a great day, safe flight and a wonderful holiday. 🥂🍾

Chris

[Beccy]

Such a tragedy; a life only really just begun.

The beauty and compassion of your words goes some way to comfort.


Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Beccy for calling and your review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Alistair (Ali)]

"and I despise that callous side
of all that I have grown to love best.".........wonderful words here Chris coupled with a true understanding of how nature works....you need to read J A Baker's "The Peregrine"...

Brilliant work

Ali

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ali for your visit. Much appreciated and thanks for the Peregrine tip. Must have been a great read. All the best.

Chris

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Ah, I can't help but be reminded of this incident which took place in my city a few days back where a mother drowned her almost 3yr old daughter in the sea and attempted suicide :x though of course, not really related to this write, but water and winter being in common and the cruelty of everything just hits hard.
Your poem really touches my heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Winter and water can be deadly Dr Y. Your response tells us this is a widespread issue and not just a local one. Always appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Gee]

It happens every year, or so it seems. Young adults free of parental shackles for the first time in their lives doing everything to excess, this sometimes ending in tradgedy. Couldn't begin to imagine the families grief.
Good morning Christine. Staple yer wig on its gonna be windy :))
Hope you are well

[Chris Shaw]

Yep Gee It's a windy one today so won't be venturing outside. A rare lazy day. Thanks for your review. Sadly it happens and it did locally, and it hurts the community.

Chris

[MCS]

Beautiful and haunting read.
I hope you’ve not lost a dear one in this manner.
Winter and open water are deadly.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit. No, not my loss but one of the university community close by. Winter and water can be deadly indeed. All good wishes.

Chris

[WillaDanvers]

I love this piece of writing. And the story captured in these four paragraphs, sad and true. Also, I adore your style of writing.

[Chris Shaw]

That is so very kind of you to say so. Pleased to meet you Wilka Danvers. You are very welcome.
read moreThat is so very kind of you to say so. Pleased to meet you Wilka Danvers. You are very welcome.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Our physical life is populated by opposites: night and day, life and death, summer and winter, etc. The last one is featured in this work, as one looks out on a serene and beautiful summer scene and is reminded of a winter tragedy that took place in the same area in the past. Has the sound of an actual happening, the death of someone in the frigid waters of the lake. The last verse is the speaker's poignant contemplation on the sometimes cruel effects of opposites. A moving piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Yes the contrast between summer calm and winter chill is what I was trying to convey. The lake in winter became deadly and on campus too. All good wishes.

Chris

[Papaya]

Very tragic story Chris, and a little eerie.
I could feel the cold pass through me.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana, it has certainly chilled many to the bone round these parts. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Papaya]

All is good and I am staying warm despite the chill.
:)

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear :)

[An owl on the moon]

What a painfully tragic moment captured in these exquisite words of yours, carrying the horror across that frozen place. There is at first such a peace, such warmth, and all of that is stripped away and laid waste with winter's tragic voice. Such sorrow.

[Chris Shaw]

Craig, many thanks for your delightful review. So good to see you check in.

Chris