Off The Beaten Track

Crepuscular, come shafts of dazzling light

which filter streams of gold through island's trees.

Whose conversation shy, somewhat polite

is whispered on the air of late morn breeze.

Beneath the boughs of sturdy English oak

or in between tall grasses growing green,

wild flowers stretch to greet a fickle sky

while busy bees are bumbling for their Queen.

Uplifting are the treasures spring can bring,

caught in this river haven I adore.

Gone are the irksome ills that plague my thoughts,

I praise what nature gifts, I gaze in awe.

At times for peace of mind I need a place

away from madding crowds, an open space.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

Off the beaten track where you chose is immensely beautiful; you images startle me, they are so vivid; the words of spring are certainly uplifting, especially if your mood is down. the glory of nature can certainly free your sadness and allow you to breathe in everything that spring has to offer. Lovely Chris!
Best, B.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this old poem out for an airing Betty. You are always so thoughtful with your reviews and I thank you fir that. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome Chris!

[Zoe Richardson]

I love the rhythm of this, and the way you convey the love of nature. You paint a lovely picture of a chosen escape!

[Chris Shaw]

It certainly is a beautiful place Zoe. Thanks for stopping by and leaving an encouraging review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

So beautifully put.
Of late, the track has gotten a little less beaten.
That space, open to only us, is now greatly prized.
Whatever the time or motivation, finding refuge in Nature is a human thing to do.
Impressive work, poetess.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Yes, finding refuge in nature when the going gets tough, can make a difference. Nature can be so healing. Appreciate you giving this one an airing.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

There is something about having a special place...or two...to release tensions and get away from the world.
For me it's either the ocean or a canoe trip into Northern Ontario. Your description of your island is great...I can see those bright gold shafts filtering through the oaks as I read.

A good write.

[Chris Shaw]

It's so important we have a place where we feel we can get away from it all Ted. Your canoe trips into Northern Ontario sound wonderful. It's all about escape :) Thanks so much for sharing your special place and for your review.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I do like the open spaces.
"I praise what nature gifts, I gaze in awe.
At times for peace of mind I need a place
away from madding crowds, an open space."
I do understand the above lines. Where I live. 20 miles north. Few people and open country. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. Plenty of open country where you live. It's good to get away from crowds at times. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[sette]

there are moments when you are at the midst of losing a battle and you know you no longer have the resources to win all you can do is to look up at the sky and wonder what made life so beautiful but still intriguing and you feel that come what may you have to win this battle despite the many obstacles surrounding it.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello sette. Thank you for your thoughts about this poem. I appreciate them greatly.

Chris

[danielle.]

I enjoyed being taken away to your special place. Great descriptions - fickle sky - love this phrase! If only everyone could allow them selves a moments peace, be it internal or a physical escape, wouldn't the world be a better place?

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks ellemorell for appreciating my words. You are most welcome here.

Chris

[.]

This is a wonderful sonnet, Christine. You had me at the first word itself. 'Crepuscular' is an excellent word to begin any poem with!

This one read like something Keats would have written himself as he strolled far from home and lost himself in the gardens of nature. It has that old style and flow of the Victorian age, wonderfully describing the scenery and its impact on the poet.

We all need our quiet space for peace of mind and the space you have written of is a perfect setting for it.

Kudos for this one. The sonnet is a wonderful form and one very difficult to conquer and you have done so here. Very nicely written.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your very encouraging review Doodley. I do agree that the sonnet is a difficult form to work with. You have to hear the drum beat and that isn't always easy :) I persevered with this one, because the poem is about a retreat which is very special to me and my family. I do from time to time pen a sonnet, but it is not my preferred form. I appreciate you taking the time to check this one out.

Chris

[.]

It was my pleasure, Christine. You did a wonderful job with this one.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you :)

[kentuck14]

Shades of Keats, Shelley, Wordsworth and Coleridge. You stand among them my Lady of Berkshire.
T.

[Chris Shaw]

You honour me Tom, mentioning me in the same lines as those wonderful poets of a bygone age. Thank you so much for your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

into the twilight...the wonder of nature...the beauty which you bring up so vividly here.
I also caught the idea of how not just people bow to the Queen, but nature tries to please her as well...
and in this quiet, open space of beauty...i am sure she bows back ...one lady to another.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

What lovely thoughts you have here Jacob. Thank you so much for visiting this poem which is about a very special place I frequent.

Chris