Sonning Reach

Without their finery of green,

tall trees in winter stand serene,

beside worn banks where frost sits crisp.

The gift lies in the morning light

which lends itself to water's calm

to mirror glass its majesty.

In perfect stillness, soothing charm

these quiet moments where I walk,

my feet fixed firmly on dry land,

though thoughts meander aimlessly.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

There are places that please the spirit as well as the eyes... memories made, smiling world smiling back your looks of contment and pleasure. Softly put and gently read, than you, Chris.. beautiful words, finely laid. .

' .. my feet fixed firmly on dry land, ' though thoughts meander aimlessly. ' Long live those sweet thoughts, yes?!

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Em, and many thanks for your visit. That is one of the walks where my spirits are truly lifted. Never far from water. And yes, my feet firmly fixed on the ground, but my meandering thoughts are the journey which to my poetry. So, yes I do enjoy those meanderings. Have a lovely day Em. Sending you all good wishes.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Your love for that walk is so understandable, there are special places that are 'always' places, known before we ever saw them. I know places like that. Seems you have so many walks, dreaming in couplets or sonnets so very beautifully. Have your own very happy and lovely day, too, Walk in your thinking if the weather suggests wellies and the like! :)

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… in the Autumn there are sunny moments when Earth is colored with shades of Magenta and Golden leaves with Heaven’s reprieve … Great Oakes drop Acorns along a Path where Children dance to Clarinets and Clair de lune… gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat,thank you for giving this older poem an airing. That is a beautiful part of the river. Particularly striking in winter. Your lovely review is delightfully poetic and is very much appreciated. Sending love across the pond.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Lovely nature-contemplating poem.
Outstanding imagery creates a you-are-there vibe.
Thoroughly enjoyed this high-level post, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

So sad to have missed this review dear Jimmy. May you RIP my poetry friend from two different poetry sites. You are missed by me.

Chris

[Beccy]

Serene and beautifully penned Christine. I have never been to Sonning Reach, but like many such places on our lovely island, it sounds perfect.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Beccy. Good to see you and I hope all is well for you and your boy.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You have outdone yourself in the pristine beauty of this poem dear Chris. Serene and filled with grace you walk and muse here. You, the poet, quiet, contemplative, absorbing the humbling majesty that surrounds- truly feeling the connection with water, nature, spirit. The reflection of trees is the reflection of thoughts, free and soaring above the ground always. Master Class writing and one to save and savor. Brava Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette thank you so much for your very generous review. So pleased you enjoyed this little write.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Loved it and you are very welcome Chris. Xo

[Davidgeo]

Reminds me quite fondly of the times I slept outside, especially the sunrises I would see when a body of water was close. The only thing you forgot to mention was the steam that rises from the water as the sun crests the horizon.

Excellent imagery. Very fine writing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks David. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

A very nice word picture here, apparently inspired by the place where the poet often walks. It may also be a place of inspiration, according to the last verse, where, though her feet are fixed to earth, her thoughts travel freely. Nothing like nature to inspire works of art.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. How right you are these beautiful places often become the inspiration for my writing as well as lifting my spirits. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Crowley]

Walks and thoughts, forever holding hands whenever I go on a jaunt. You put me right into that space with these words and make me want to have a stroll today. Still the best way to still a weary mind regardless of the time of year. Very lovely Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Indeed walking is calming, a good walk always does that. If you happen to be walking in a beautiful place the rewards are doubled. Thank you Crowley. All the best.

Chris

[Phill Oz O'fee]

What a graceful and serene scene you have poetically painted. It reminded me of Jerome K. Jerome's book Three Men in a Boat, where he described Sonning village as "the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river" (Thames). Great share and wonderful first read this wet dull morning - have a good day Chris... :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Ah yes Jerome K Jerome. He was not wrong there. It is a lovely place, although it does have increased traffic like most places these days. Thank you Phill.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

water and light are so wonderfully playful, the evoke all kinds of images in our minds..

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Stella about water and light. Whether it is a river, ocean or lake, when the light and sunlight play on its surface it can be mesmerising. Also moonlight on water does it for me too, and that of course adds a bit of romance to the subject. You as an accomplished painter will know the special effects that light can have. Hope all is OK in your world. Thanks for your review.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

I don't know about acclompished Chris, but certainly for any artist where the light is coming from is all important. A dull, wet day here , but never mind car is going in for a job doing so i am not planning on going anywhere... maybe listening to music :)

[Chris Shaw]

Expecting mot to be done on my car today, so like you I will be staying in. I have seen your posted paintings, and they are very good Stella.

[Stella Armour]

just an amateur really Chris, a hobby i picked up a few years ago about the same time as poetry when i became too arthritic to play bowls every day any more lol.

[Chris Shaw]

You are very creative Stella and your artwork and poetry are of an exceptionally high standard. You have taught yourself well :)

[Stella Armour]

Thank you so much ... made my day ☼

[Dave]

Chris you paint a beautiful winter scene and I can picture you walking in
the majesty of its' morning glory happy and serene. So very nicely written -
thank you.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Dave for your thoughtful response. All good wishes.

Chris