Carving Her Name

restless mind meanders downstream

carried on a distraction of daydreams

listless from lack of natural light

crazy with cravings of river trips

wanting warm sun on shivery skin

longing for Lynch Island's welcome embrace

seeking a new spring in a favoured retreat

where only those with boats can go

where spears of golden sol can strike

crepuscular through leafy green

a spotlight on graceful swans feeding

long necks dipped in deep water

eyes of lovely Loddon lilies shaded

shy beneath each tiny bell shaped cap

her love, busy with a mallet

knocking on a chisel's hard head

chipping into thick bark of rowan

uprooted in winter's wayward storms

fallen across footsteps of their past

there he leaves his mark carved

in dead wood's quiet sadness

Reviews

[Temperance]

Chris, I love your work! Each one of your poems that I have read is like taking a stroll down a country road with no care in the world and feeling warm all over. Sometimes I miss the message because the words themselves are so comforting. Oh, if I could only write like that.... I am so glad I have met you here in the Cafe to be able to enjoy your lovely writing. Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Temp, thank you for the
review which I found very encouraging. Sometimes there may not be a message. It might just be a string of thoughts or an observational piece. Pleased you enjoy my work. That has made my day.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Another of your lovely nature poems. As usual, very picturesque natural imagery. I must believe the last verse has to do with your late mother. Perhaps this was one of her favorite places. A very nice offering here.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for that lovely review and for sharing your thoughts. An older write, out for an airing. Pleased you liked it.

Chris

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

I like the alliteration in this one - applied lightly, it works really well. The imagery is very poetic too, tying into the evocative mood of the piece. Excellent work, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Robert and many thanks for your very encouraging review. I am often inspired by thoughts of the river and Lynch island. This is an older poem out for an airing. So pleased you enjoyed it and stopped by. Have a great Monday.

Chris

[Richard Knox]

Chris, this poem, with its powerful, clear imagery, has me visualizing similar times and places and experiences with fondness. And then the last three lines turn it more serious and regretful; a song of loss. It changes it, I think, from a good poem to fine poetry, beginning with that beautiful line, “fallen across footsteps of their past.”

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Richard. This is an older poem out for a breath of fresh air. I am often inspired by the river and its islands. I live close to the Thames and we are boating enthusiasts. Really appreciate your lovely words of encouragement. You have made my morning. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

That's a cool idea. A love so powerful it carves itself into the tree. Over the memory already there. And all in the island of our mind where only we can go. Nicely writ!

And a bonus word! Crepuscular. I'll be looking that up poste haste.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes it was all in the mind Bill. Recalling a memory of a very special visit to the island in the summer months. My husband carved my name on a felled tree:) It is still there, ten years later. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

That just added tons of meaning to your poem Chris. Knowing the tree and mark really exist. Now the crepuscular light recedes and your poem becomes bright in the light of understanding! (You should do a little note explaining that. Since the reader sees notes after reading the poem I think knowing the story is real while still pondering the meaning gives it power.)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that advice Bill:)

[Dianne S Penfold]

The last stanza is very gripping! Very well written.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dianne. I have just reviewed one of your writes. Pleased you stopped by today. I appreciate that.

Chris

[red93]

Memories of punting at Oxford come flooding back - one trip from the Head of the River Public House to New College overnight would you believe - Happy Days :)

[Chris Shaw]

Know and love that part of the river well Tony. Pleased to remind you of happy student days :)

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

There is a tenderness on these lines that bring the images into an experience as delicate as the dappling light and shadows at dusk. Thanks for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Frederick for that thoughtful review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Good morning..so you are up nice and early, dear Chris as am I...
Loved your poem...the imaginary is wonderful and I feel as though i am there as I read along the flow of your poem. "Where only those with boats can go"... love that line...there are so many lines that ! think are terrific..oh gosh and..." fallen across footsteps of their past"...everyone that reads this must be taken along the ride...
Lisa, early here

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Lisa, I woke early but then fell asleep again.. I hope you are having a lovely day. Thank you for your encouraging review of this poem. So pleased you enjoyed it. We are back in the marina today. Just relaxing. Not likely to take the boat out. All good wishes.

Chris