Just Messin'

(river musings)

In a valley of tall green trees

and deep water, three adolescents

attract attention on the river bank

opposite.

In fluorescent pink life jackets,

they play on branches overhanging

where empty canoes await first signs

of boredom.

Although I can't see their faces

I hear the sounds of shouts and screams,

living their dreams they are, seeking

adventure.

From Caryl Anna, I cast out my magnet,

heavy and secured by a lengthy string

into the depths of underwater

forests.

Egyptian geese are left pondering

"Is she fishing?", "No says I",

"The fish are safe, I am hunting for

iron finds."

It's not long before I achieve,

pulled out amid slime green weeds,

rusty nails, screws and a twisted fork

for added measure.

This is my treasure on display,

never let the child in you hide away,

they are ever present and awaiting

that invite to play.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is cool fun...i need to go swimming..dying in this heat and humidity...oh and i wonder what the geese were thinking when they saw you pull out the nails, screws and twisted fork...like "wow, those are strange looking fish, did you ever see those kinds before?"
and the other geese just shake their heads..
j.

[Chris Shaw]

It was fun Jacob. I spent quite a while with my magnet wondering what I'd bring up from the deep, at the same time watching the adventures on the far bank and wishing I was swinging from that branch contemplating the water. The child in me surfacing and conversing with the wild life :)

Thank you

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

Thank you for the Norman Rockwell moments said with words and of your own poetic persuasion

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Kent for giving this old poem an airing and reminding me what fun I had playing in the river with a magnet. I've still got my treasures.

All good wishes.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

A truly charming poetic narrative.
Magnets and the kid in us are always attracted by "iron" treasures.
The Egyptian Geese never had to worry.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jimmy. The river always brings the kid out in me.Give me a magnet and I'm happy for hours :)

Chris

[barleygirl]

I have friends who do metal detecting on beaches for fun. They never find much coin, but they marvel at what they do find. Your poem helps me understand the fascination of treasure hunts (some of us see these as junk hunts). Your poem also reminds me of how I smile to hear kids playing down in the creek below my place. Not many kids very often, but the way their voices echo in the ravine, it's the same fun feelings you describe in your poem! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie. When I am on the river I turn into a kid. That inner child can't help herself. Thanks for checking in. Fondest

Chris

[katsmeow]

How many times have I got so wrapped up in my own worries that I have forgotten the simple pleasure of playing in a creek. I miss those days.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. Keep it simple and let your inner child come out to play. Pleased to have you visit.
read moreThank you. Keep it simple and let your inner child come out to play. Pleased to have you visit.

Chris

[Jibey]

A picture of contentment, observed with an artist's eye. I have never thought of magnet fishing but i'm in favor of dragging man's detritus out of rivers and oceans.

You have a pleasing way of letting your words flow in an easy, simple but effective style.

[Chris Shaw]

Well you have me smiling all over again, thank you and my inner child who was playing with the magnet says the same:)

[Wondering Mind]

Loved your use of colour to add life to this easy flowing read.
A lovely message to keep that curious child alive.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit Wondering Mind. Truly appreciated and valued. All good wishes.
read moreThank you so much for your visit Wondering Mind. Truly appreciated and valued. All good wishes.

Chris

[Eilis]

What a scene you’ve invited us into, Chris. It’s tranquil but also full of discovery and childlike curiosity. I do love a return to the fullness of the child-mind in a poem. Your encouragement to keep exploring at the end is my favorite part, I think.

I think you and I discussed our feelings of being drawn to water before. What a perfect way to satisfy the draw and make some cool discoveries in the process! I love the part about the geese. Not my favorite birds as they can be so ornery, but they can definitely be as curious as we are, in their own way.

Really enjoyed this. A fun poem to read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Eilis. Pleased you picked up on the fun. That was the theme of my poem. Allowing that inner child to come out to play and relish the enjoyment. Always so good to receive one of your reviews. Many thanks for your thoughts.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

Treasure hunting in the depths of waters! Sounds very pleasantly fascinating, Chris. I love the style and format of the poem. You have a wonderful way of sharing your insights. It is always a joy to read your writings. Tudo de bom para você ( all the best)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mrudula, thank you so much for your good wishes and for visiting my inner child at play. She appreciated that.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

what a joyful write a day of fun and feeling good..i agree always keep the childlike qualities within..a delightful way to look at life on a daily basis

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Fran Marie. I figure we have to behave as adults often enough, nice to let that inner child escape every now and again:)) Your review very much appreciated.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

that's true..you're so welcome

[Rye]

This is just so wonderful and fun, I enjoyed this write

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed the read Rye and thank you for your encouragement.