Conversing with Blake

It is a known fact
that as he stood admiring
a fine skyline of the city of London,
in all its breathtaking splendour,
Blake conversed with the sun
from atop Primrose Hill.

Content I would have been,
if he'd sat with me, upon this bench
hewn out of a fallen tree,
strategically placed to appreciate
the quiet slopes of our valley.

Sweeping from feet to depths below
while the glow of sol burnishes
where meadow hay once danced.
Now cut back, rolled, perfectly baled
to bake in warm sunlight.

Like ink blots on yellowed parchment,
crows in random rows,
in their black coats and tails
pause in golden stubble,
resembling musical notes
on a composer's manuscript.

I am singing, I am singing.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

I wish he could have stood with me….atop….and the the loveliest images begin to appear before our eyes, the hills, valleys, farms, the crows all dressed in their black suits “ resembling musical notes”… on and on with magical imagery… so we’ll done Chris.
Best,
B.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty for visiting this old poem out for an airing. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

My pleasure Chris😊

[adornoscousin]

I think this is your best poem yet. This is incredible. Conversing wit the sun is an amazing line- I think he and many of his types did converse with the sun and the nature and infinity. You captured that.

[Chris Shaw]

Your generous review has me feeling uplifted. Thank you so much adornoscousin. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... this is indeed... my favorite Poem
by you... I am drawn to the musical notes on a
composer's manuscript. The last verse has touched my
heart. I try to admire the Crows that frequent our Bird Feeder.
Now I will think of them as Musical notes on a composers manuscript.
gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased Pat this is your fav of mine. I have to admit enjoying the beautiful view that inspired this write. Your lovely comment is the icing on the cake. I send all warm wishes yo you across the pond and thank you fir your visit and encouragement.

Chris

[Harmony Lee]

In my perception, the vivid imagery of this piece evolves throughout up to its conclusion, where the named colors and visuals lead into such a lovely figure of "composer's manuscript" and a blissful singing. I suppose this piece in its entirety even has songlike elements, how wonderful and clever, I wonder to what extent this was intentional or if instead it seemed to craft itself in this serendipitous way.

[Chris Shaw]

When I started to write this, I had no idea how it would turn out. I have to say on reflection, I am pleased where it went. Thank you for your thoughts.

Chris

[Harmony Lee]

It brings me joy and gratitude to know that you experience being pleased with your own writing -- what a wonderful gift to cherish.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much.

[Lydia Shutter]

And I am singing right along with you. The imagery here is splendid, Chris. The emotions are real and the tone is so gentle. The word choice...well, it is splendiferous! Blake would have been proud to sit on that bench with you, my friend. Wonderful work. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry Lydi** for this belated thank you. Three months late. Better now than never. Somehow this one got away.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

No problem, Chris. I really don't even need a thankyou when I read your poetry! It is a pleasure for me.

[light and ashes]

This might actually be my favorite of you. Spectacular words! Just unbelievable! High high marks!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for that really encouraging review. You have made my day.

Chris

[light and ashes]

You're welcome! :) I'm glad!

[Vertigo Cat1111]

I’m amazed by the imagery here, and how you could paint an entire movie all with just your words. And then the emotion comes in and it’s really a mind blowing piece. Something about sitting on the bench and sun added so much to an already beautiful poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Colacat for that lovely review. Have to admit that writing this poem was most satisfying. All good wishes.

Chris

[.]

Wow.. What a beautiful imagery it is. Although I was not aware of Blake's conversation with sun but I can feel how beautiful it can be to watch sun and to soak it's warmth while sitting on a bench and observing the slopes of the valley. Your avian love touched my heart. A beautiful write...

[Chris Shaw]

Such a heartwarming review Sima. I thank you so much for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... here we are a year later... fighting for our lives.
When I wake at eight am in the morning I look out the upstairs
window over the Deck below reserved as a huge Bird Feeder on the Railing.
This morning, there were only perhaps a dozen or more Starlings," black as musical
notes on Parchment" eating a mixture of Seeds especially made for Cardinals and other
Prestigious song birds. I adore your above poem and your Flair for our feathered friends.
Wishing you Health and prosperity as the last Rose of Summer may grace your vintage garden.
gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. We both share a love for our avian friends. This lovely review has lifted me on a very cold November morning which started with a rose pink sky. Keeping busy with chores inside the home. Less gardening now, but still some. Have a lovely day and sending you all good wishes from across the pond. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[Temporal light]

Read your writing
Life
No more strife
Live

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit and read.

Chris