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😊

[Onlyme]

Perfection as always Chris, beautiful expressed, heartfelt, longing and picturesque poem of profound proportions.

[Chris Shaw]

Dawn, it is lovely to see you. I hope all is well with you and yours. Thank you so much for this lovely review.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I have follow many of favorite writers footsteps. I saw Hemingway sea, war, Paris and the Swiss mountains. The ancient writers, if we read them. They can tell us secrets of a happy life. Blake would appreciate the attention dear Chris. I read the ancient writers daily. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. I often read the old classical poets. They deserve more attention than they get. This is a mid to one of them. I appreciate your review my friend.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I bought at the Library book sales. Complete volume of the ancient writers. I have many. 1600 pages of the great ones. I found my favorite Ben Jonson in one of them. You are welcome dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Ah Ben Johnson. Wonderful romantic poet. Excuse the typo in my previous comment. I meant I was giving Blake a nod :)

[Coyote Poetry]

My goal one day, write like a Ben Jonson or a Blake.

[Chris Shaw]

You have set yourself a mighty task that will elevate you to the summit of poets. Reach for the stars my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

I know. Hemingway wrote. He would write ten stories, toss away nine. We must keep trying, I do believe.

[Lorry]

Superb Chris. On seeing the title, I wondered if the picture the name conjured in my mind was correct and decided after reading the "so burnished" line to check it out. It was indeed, so kudos on your excellent description of his work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for the approval Lorry. Did a bit of Blake at school and of course his hymns stick in my mind from that period too. As does the visit a few years ago to Primrose Hill with Pandora, another poet. We both saw what he saw.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

ah, Blake...we do "the sick rose" in my class...love Blake...also discuss his poem "tiger, tiger burning bright" when we do the short story, Child by Tiger....
nicely done here...i also would love to sit on a bench with him and just talk poetry...
and together we could all sing.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob. There's room on this bench for three should Blake decide to visit. Maybe I'll drop into your class as well :)

Chris

Chris

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

This is a lovely poem. The imagery is tangible, written with such grace and tenderness. Beautiful!

[Chris Shaw]

I so appreciate your continued support Linda Marie. Many thanks. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[CD Campbell]

Now that is good poem. Especially like the end stanza and the exclamation of "I am singing". You bring everything together with such a magnificent bright light, that it's almost scorching to the eyes. I love Blake, but dont have that connection that you seem to portray. Its delicate painting you paint that anyone can be jealous of. I mean it. Great work.

[Chris Shaw]

What a generous review CD. Really appreciate your visit. Many thanks.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Very much like being there
I like the mention of the crows which flock to us on our walks by the ocean always looking for a handout
BTW who is Blake

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dave, pleased I took you there. William Blake an English poet of yesteryear. All the best.read moreThanks Dave, pleased I took you there. William Blake an English poet of yesteryear. All the best.

Chris

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

So very nice, I loved your last stanza, This is very well written.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kesch. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Gerald Parker]

Yes, now that I live in London and drive through so many places which used to be separate villages, I too like to imagine what they in their surrounding countryside all looked like. Your poem captures that other time beautifully. I know 'sol' is 'sun' in Spanish but can it be used in a piece of English?

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Gerald for your visit. I have seen sol used in old English poems and from time to time I also include the odd word in Latin or French in my work. Good to have your thoughts.

Chris