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😊

[FJ Davis]

Blake may well have considered himself fortunate for knowing you.
This poem is top-shelf.
Kudos!

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely comment to leave. Most encouraging. Thank you.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

inteesting poem; really loved it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[poetgurl]

This is such a wonderful write, love the emotions in this write. Nicely written and beautiful imagery

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely review Kimmie.

Chris

[Re-Pete]

i love this. wonderful, peaceful, fabulous imagery. such feeling. exceptional tribute. i was there. title, ending - doesn't get much better than this ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this write Pete. Many thanks for your kind comments.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I enjoyed reading your poem. It's lovely. And it stands well upon its merits as an individual work. Now, to the subject matter, William Blake's most popular and most anthologized poem, "The Tyger" hardly portrays the full scope of his work but for many, it is the only poem or work of his they know. As a child he was almost beaten by his father for his claim that he saw angels dancing in a tree. He also claimed to be in constant conversation with his dead brother from childhood. The same man who once announced he was of the "devil's party' and penned "The Proverbs of Hell" also idolized and criticized Milton in his poem of the same name. If he conversed with the sun it would not surprise me very much although I am not an avid fan of his works as a whole. Of a slightly earlier period, I prefer John Donne and his sometimes bawdy yet more gently layered subtleties.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Fabian. You know much more about Blake than I do, although I did read The Tyger poem many times when I was younger. Fascinating to learn more from you, and yes, he really did converse with the sun on top of Primrose Hill. He certainly had a great view of the city if London from there. All good wishes.
.
Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I don't think he was a raving lunatic like Jonathan Swift became later in life. But he was certainly a bit of an odd duck. And I learned my history of Blake from creative writing class and The Oxford Book of English Verse. A few of my favorite artist histories are Caravaggio and Van Gogh...what strange and interesting lives they led. I touch on Van Gogh in my poem Crows...concerning the last painting he ever painted.

[Chris Shaw]

Not surprised you attended creative writing classes. It shows. Some of these creative people certainly have led interesting lives. I will have to take a look at your crow poem.

[Ken Simm.]

What a beautiful concept. Touched by the sun. And an equally beautiful treatment. I am in awe of this one.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken for your really kind review. Pleased you enjoyed it.

Chris

[AYVID N]

I don’t have a literary background or know Mr. Blake either but I felt very connected with the picture you paint here, dear Chris. His love and connectedness to nature must have surely contributed to his masterpieces. That he conversed with the sun gave the poem a mystical touch. Stunning descriptive beauty in the concluding verse too. You have enthralled this reader with your words...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. Yes, he really did converse with the sun :) So pleased you enjoyed my lines and I thank you for your continued and very much valued support.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

oh Christine! well done .. fine tribute .. and for me a marvelous killer closing in V3 and last line .. stunning! and that its for Mr. Blake! only recognized after death .. thought to be mad but then a seer of sorts ... rich only in his thoughts, words and world ... love it! love what you have done with the crows ... a rich thoughtful, fulfilling read for me young lady! thanks for sharing!
write here at the Cafe' ;))
E.

[Chris Shaw]

You are too kind Mr E. I am thrilled that you enjoyed this poem of mine. You would have enjoyed the view across our valley as well.

Chris

[Beccy]

He was of the city, but if you read any of the poems contained in 'songs of innocence,' it is crystal clear he understood the importance of the natural world and how vital it is that we embrace it.

I really like this poem, it describes perfectly how it must have been before modern day madness came to rule supreme.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Beccy. I wish I had heard Blake conversing with the sun. Happy New year to you and your boy.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

You've described the panorama beautifully in poetic terms Chris. What would we give to know what conversation Blake might have had with the sun. We cant dare to guess but as humble poets we do see something of what others may not.
You are keeping up your high standards here.
Happy New year.
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Alan. Written when the weather was warmer. Alas, that seems a long while ago. I also would loved to have heard that conversation Blake had with the sun. Wishing you good New Year Celebrations. 2020, hope it's a good one for you and yours.

Chris