Carving Her Name

Carving Her Name

A Poem by Chris Shaw

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

© 2020 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Dear Temp, thank you for the
review which I found very encouraging. Sometimes there may not b.. read more



Reviews

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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you John for that lovely review and for sharing your thoughts. An older write, out for an airi.. read more
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!

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Good morning Robert and many thanks for your very encouraging review. I am often inspired by thought.. read more
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.”

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Hello Richard. This is an older poem out for a breath of fresh air. I am often inspired by the river.. read more
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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Yes it was all in the mind Bill. Recalling a memory of a very special visit to the island in the sum.. read more
William Michael Reeves

2 Years Ago

That just added tons of meaning to your poem Chris. Knowing the tree and mark really exist. Now the .. read more
Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you for that advice Bill:)
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.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Dear Temp, thank you for the
review which I found very encouraging. Sometimes there may not b.. read more
The last stanza is very gripping! Very well written.

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Thank you Dianne. I have just reviewed one of your writes. Pleased you stopped by today. I appreciat.. read more
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 :)

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

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

Chris
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

Posted 2 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

2 Years Ago

Hi Lisa, I woke early but then fell asleep again.. I hope you are having a lovely day. Thank you for.. read more

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Shelved in 5 Libraries
Added on April 25, 2020
Last Updated on April 25, 2020

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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