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

[.]

'Where spears of golden sol can stroke... Just wow... The imagery, the gait, the cold warmth that this poem is delivering, it's awesome! Like the dead woods quiet sadness, there is a kind of sadness this poem has that we can cherish wholeheartedly!!

Very well penned

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sima, thank you so much for your lovely review. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Orphic dreamer]

How can you write such profound and beautifully detailed phrases in one poem? From magnificent alliterations like “winter's wayward storms” to gorgeous rhyming schemes like
“restless mind meanders downstream
carried on a distraction of daydreams”.
Each word in every line has it's own purpose and it is flawlessly expressed! Amazing work as always!

[Chris Shaw]

What beautiful and detailed reviews you gift. Thank you so much for your time on my page. You are appreciated Orphic Dreamer.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Memories are etched in our minds, carved into our beings. You write memorable and splendid poetry. I felt the warmth and sadness as one. We do value things more when we lose them. Thank you for sharing Chris of Berkshire.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by Sami. Hoping all is well with you in your part of the world. Take care poet.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you. All is wonderful. You are welcome.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... I read a poem once... "we pass this way but once...
so make this journey worthwhile"... I find that "Kindness" is the best
'Virtue". There are times when I fail, but I pick myself up and try again.
I get 'Lost" in a flower and it shows me Kindness. I have been in a Canoe
with a close friend who paddled in an Inlet of Moonbeams through the Trees....
a sight that many have not seem,,, but it was a Gift of Serenity.
Our Spirit is the Light within our Soul. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, nature puts a different perspective on everything and that's why I stay as close to her as possible. And kindness without doubt is a virtue that will benefit each human soul. There needs to be far more of it. Thank you for your pearls of wisdom. Hope dear poet that life is treating you fairly. Sending love across the waves.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... as we age... we become more spiritual.. and we find Peace in the most unexpected circumstances. So far, we are well, and we pray for guidance for all the stranded people in Kabul and thereabout. You cannot help but to feel like they are family. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Keep well dear Pat and like you our thoughts are with those in grave danger.

[Dave]

The "coolness" of this pandemic grows more and more wearisome. Lovely as your poem is, I look forward to when we have more pleasant things to ponder.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave. Really appreciate you stopping by. Hope you and your family are doing well. All the best.

Chris

[LostSage]

Your writing is ambiguous like waking up and trying to see through the morning mist what is out there on the lake. Fascinating! I had to look up the word crepuscular. Crepuscular.... a word from the twilight zone. haha. a little joke for you Chris. Have a great day! Jeff

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jeff. Pleased that you had to get that dictionary out :) We never stop learning do we? Your visit much appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

I'm always so impressed by how you always remember bigger words when I always forget them! Honestly and truly, I think you're an inspiration on this site, for everyone and this poem shows why. There's such a majestic flow behind the words. The feeling of really being there, not only is palpable but in the imagery you write in as well. The last stanza has to be one of the best, most dramatic I've ever read. The metaphors that show how they're feeling is so great. Thank you for giving me another one to add to the favorites!

[Chris Shaw]

You are always so generous Colacat with your reviews. Thanks a million for stopping by to share your thoughts.

Chris

[Laz K.]

The first two stanzas create a particular mood with the help of rich natural imagery. Then, the final stanza makes it personal, but reveals just enough so that the reader can project his/her own memories, wishes, fantasies, losses onto the canvas of their own mind.

All your poems are very-very skillful; I have a lot of respect for your work.

[Chris Shaw]

Your encouragement and thoughts are received with many thanks Laz. So pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

A poignant piece of poetry yet sweet memories
of a special place shared by two and all thats
left now is his mark carved in dead wood a
quiet sadness..nice work

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fran Marie for your valued visit and thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[light and ashes]

An enjoyable poem to read with a tinge of profound sadness or perhaps loneliness at the end.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Allie for your review and please accept my apologies for the late response. I appreciate your visits.

Chris

[light and ashes]

It's ok! Not a big deal!
You're welcome