Wish List

(one from the archives and written after viewing a travel photograph)

A path divides a cemetery,

an avenue scraped clear of snow

lies silent in mid-winter's grip.

Black marble headstones icing-topped

are lonesome in the valley's dip

and silhouettes of naked trees

show slender as their limbs stretch high.

On guard and set to pluck each star,

a sparkler in the dark night sky.

Though all of this, a poet's bliss,

to stand and stare, drink in this sight,

the Northern Lights with turquoise hues,

roll through the heavens. Cobalt blues

and silken sheen of emerald greens

are riches calling to be seen.

A promise made before I die,

I'll see this vision in the sky.

Reviews

[Crowley]

...and so it appears you have..lol. Or how else could such beauty be written. I love your poets eye, especially when it comes to nature and wonder. Well I probably would like both of your eyes, but having not met, I will just stick with the poets eye that is always prominently on display. Love this!

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Crowley, seen previously in pics and on video, but it has to be seen in the flesh so to speak. That is a must. Pleased you like my poets eye :) Good to see you here.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I've not seen the northern lights, except on film. It is something everyone must long to see, I would guess. I've read many descriptions of the aurora, but never as vivid as yours in this poem. I love that you include more colors . . . most descriptions only mention a single greenish hue. I love how your poem starts in the graveyard, as if one might be finally checking this off the wish list after the tombstone was lowered (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

I have seen video footage of the Northern lights and been totally mesmerised by their outstanding beauty. One of these days I will make a point of seeing it in the flesh so to speak. Many thanks Margie for your visit.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

How long ago did you write this? Just curious its fun to witness the evolution of a poets voice. I enjoyed this and the third stanza is my favorite no the second stanza oh nevermind I like the whole thing but these lines...
and silhouettes of naked trees
show slender as their limbs stretch high.
On guard and set to pluck each star,
a sparkler in the dark night sky.

they are delicious:)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks you Bunny. This one was written about five years ago. Pleased you enjoyed the read and I thank you for your visit.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very beautiful poem. I liked the poem and how it can be easily imaganed,

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee for your review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[BlackPrince]

'A promise made before I die,
I'll see this vision in the sky.'

This is a wonderful poem on the truth of the human condition.
I love the picturesque imagery.

Well done!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you BlackPrince for your appreciation and encouragement.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Wonderful write expressed very well ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow for your visit. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Edie Blue Starfish]

I could practically see the colours dancing in the sky.
Beautiful.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Edie Blue Starfish. Happy that you visited.

Chris

[Shandra Sun]

So beautiful. I could envision myriad of colurs creating an almost magical place, where evrything should talk of death instead. Perhaps death is just the beginning of something beautiful and you could sense it, in that precious moment you describe.

[Chris Shaw]

There was such a sharp contrast between the black and white stillness of the cemetery and the sky alive with moving colour. It certainly did make me think of both birth and death. Thank you for your lovely review. Your visit much appreciated Shandra Sun.

Chris

[Shandra Sun]

You know what they say: the beauty is in the eyes of the observer. And it is. You saw it because there is beauty within.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. That is a lovely thing to say :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I hope to see those Northern lights at some stage. So many places to see, so many things to do. We are booked up till spring next year. A lovely rhyming piece giving us a view of the scene you were looking at Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes John, I have seen many videos of the Northern lights and marvel at their splendour. A definite for my bucket list. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris