All Things Considered

i do not know

if bamboo wind chimes

ward off evil spirits

maybe they do

.

or whether they entice

souls of the departed

to revisit their loved ones

all things considered

.

but as i sit in this garden

with a light breeze blowing

on a true blue sky day

in blistering heat

i hear music

.

there is something so

satisfying in the gentleness

of that subtle hollow sound

of canes clacking softly

while suspended from a

beam on our deck

.

close your weary lids 

take a long deep breath

be still and hear nature's notes

her unique playful

composing

.

imagine being in Bali

barefoot and fancy free

beside the mountains

far, far away where all

concerns are going, going,

gone

.

wind stirs in strands

of uncombed holiday hair

not a care in the world

drift in thought flight

all is well, all is peace

.

 

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

It sounds as though you have developed your own meditation method here. Of course, there is no way to control the weather, but the elements of meditation are there. The frantic surface mind is calmed by the sound of the chimes, the eyes close and a deep breath imposes a stillness of the mind. The imagination creates a peaceful scene, and all concerns of the conscious mind are gone. If you can do this for 20 minutes at a time every day, your stress level will plummet.

[Chris Shaw]

I find it easy to meditate in the outdoors particularly when the weather is at its best. I need a bit more practice at other times, but know full well the benefits that can be had. Try harder she sats. Thank you John akwats fir your visits and your wisdom. They are appreciated.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think they may just ward off evil spirits...I'll buy in...after reading this poem...I want to sit on that porch and listen.
You present it as magic, in magical words.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased I could convey some of what I experienced. So relaxing and soothing those moments. You can sit in my garden anytime Jacob.

Chris

[Lorry]

I don't know either Chris, but maybe it's like the placebo effect. If you believe they work and keep evil at bay, then it is still beneficial to you as you wont now be worried about evil lurking up behind you now. 😀
And they do sound nice and are way less annoying than glass or metal ones clanking aroung, giving you tinnitus.
And from that sound, you travelled the world and all without airport check ins, baggage claim and finding a taxi that wont take you the long way. A perfect staycation in an afternoon 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Experiencing quite a few stacycations these days Lorry. Not complaining we have spent much time making our garden as pleasant as possible. Nowhere else to go and I'm not going to join the nutters on the beaches who don't care a toss about the consequences. Happy to be here.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

There is indeed something very peaceful and peace inducing in the sound of wind chimes. The backyard of my meditation center has such chimes, and when we do walking meditation, we are soothed by the gentle sounds.

[Chris Shaw]

They are soothing John, pleased you agree. Thank you so much for leaving your thoughts here. Most appreciated. How interesting you have a meditation centre right on your doorstep.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Not quite on my doorstep, Chris. It's about ten miles away, in Norfolk. It's based on the teachings of Thich That Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk. Though I am not a Buddhist myself, I have derived much benefit from attending the sessions there.

[Relic]

This is so much like a meditation to me. The serene peace that transcends is at our feet. Being willing to try it out may, and usually does, bring benefits.

[Chris Shaw]

Tha k you Tim. Good to have a visit from you. Hope all is well. Take care.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

All things considered
I like those thought
flights indeed..you paint
such a carefree serenity
where all is right. with
the world..with the
wind chimes lending
harmony..nice work

[Chris Shaw]

Nice to let your mind drift when in the garden Fran Marie. I appreciate your visit. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

we have the same cane sound enjoying our breeze
This exotic trip sounds awfully nice but the nicest thing about it is (IMO) not having to go through the hassle of the real thing when our own back yards are so enjoyable
he thought

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Dave please accept my apologies for my tardy reply. I do agree gettng to a destination can be such hassle. Now Miss Covid is around I think I:ll be staying home for the foreseeable future. Plenty of opportunity to drift into thought flight. Many thank yous for your thoughts.

Chris

[James Paranormal]

I love this style of free verse, so passionate, so colorful, and nostalgic. The details describe nature in all its mellow glory. Beautifully done.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is so thoughtful. Thank you for your kindness. I am pleased you enjoyed this poem. I did put some effort into it.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Wind Chimes and warm climes... the heart is enthralled with the call of a Whippoorwill...
Time stands still as I recall the song of a Seagull... Be blessed dear Chris and linger in Bali barefoot with wind in your tangled hair.
tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat for this lovely review. I do confess I lingered there quite a while. I am very fond of wind chimes, particularly on a light breeze day. I find them soothing and restful and they can encourage that thought flight. Sending warm wishes to you.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Hi Chris... I recently bought some Copper wind chimes with a Glass Blue Bird at the Top. It remains In our family room, since it is fragile. I am waiting for a somewhat sunny windy day when we can sit under the large Maple tree and listen to the Music of the Chimes. We are usually on a schedule or Resting, but the Chimes will be enjoyed before Winter arrives. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

How lovely that you also have a wind chime Pat. Especially with a little glass blue bird at the top of it. That is so you my friend. I wish you both much relaxation sitting under that maple tree in the sun, with a breeze going. Enjoy.......

[Fabian G. Franklin]

What a restful and beautiful offering this is. I was transported to peacock backed chairs, bamboo and rattan furniture sitting on a deck overlooking the ocean. I actually have a bamboo chime hanging in my living room. It's a Chinese Junk boat. The sails, body and chimes are all made from bamboo. I bought it at an indoor flea market years ago for five bucks I think. I love all things nautical. This was a great poem and one of my favorites from you. F.

[Chris Shaw]

Your bamboo junk boat chimes were a bargain Fabian. I do love wind chimes on a light breeze day particularly. So restful. Thank you so much for this lovely review. I am pleased that this is a favourite for you of all the poems I have written.

All good wishes across the miles.

Chris