On The Far Side Of The Horizon

(from a friend's photograph)

gift me a horizon at days end

where a fireball sun is sinking fast

between silhouettes of scented pine

where my view is divided in two

dark chocolate shadow submerges

all lower ground while on high

swimming in a warm summer sky

runny with orange blossom honey

thickly spread and set

a solitary avian friend soars

a pin prick in a vast ocean expanse

carry my thoughts on feathered wings

as i ponder on the persecuted

in far off lands who no doubt

hear the call of freedom singing

how many stare at the setting sun

elsewhere on our unequal earth

dreaming their chance too will come

where they leave behind family

friends, all they have ever known

to grow in more fruitful soil

Reviews

[willweb]

This was beautiful and had me thinking of the sunsets I have seen here lately, there have been some gorgeous end of day scenes staring me in the face as I drive home from work. However...the final stanza of this thru me off a bit, though I can see some wanting nothing more than to ride off into the sunset but leaving family and friends behind. I guess so, just not me. Love the painting you did here with your words Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks will. When I wrote this I had in mind refugees who will leave everything behind in search of their dream. Could I do it? Never, but many do. Really appreciate your visit to this older poem out for an airing.

[Betty Hermelee]

A stunning poem of reflection in a wooded setting with the sunset magical.....and being in quiet with a bird overhead now and then...time for peace and hope...hope for others in distress to have the same opportunity as we have.... most of the world is not as lucky as us...they struggle everyday and flop into their beds or on their straw mats...we are fortunate to be able to ponder the cosmos and wonder at our amazing nature. Lovely.
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Betty your review warms me. Thank you so much for your kind words. Much appreciated.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're we;come dear Chris, much appreciated!
Best, B

[MomzillaNC]

Your imagery paints a vastness in hope.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate you.

[MomzillaNC]

yvw 😎

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

what a beautiful description on asunset. magnificent.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dale for your encouraging review. So pleased you enjoyed the sunset.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I enjoyed the read. The opening is one of beauty and grandeur. Sadly, today, even the once fertile soil of dreams has been poisoned. The home of hope for the world is becoming a prison for adulterated minds. The home of the brave and the land of the free is becoming the home of the frightened and the land of the oppressed. The great sadness in that is that it has become a self-fulfilling prophecy; they have played the victim so long that they now believe their role and have ignored their blessing so long it has become withdrawn. The abyss waits in all its self-created darkness.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Fabian, thank you so much for the read and for sharing your thoughts. Always love your reviews.

[barleygirl]

This is overflowing with powerful & vivid imagery! This reminds me of how, when I get photos from a friend showing another's habitat being so very different from my own, it sparks something alive in me. It's like I remember new words & ideas & images to use in my writing, like I've been blasted from my typical scenarios, imagined in a cloak that matches my own habitat. I love how lively your imagery comes across! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Margie. Pick the right photo and you can become truly inspired. You know that too. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Anushka joshi]

The title and the content both are very nice . ma'am the way you call sun as a jewel , It shows how much you respect the nature and gifts of nature . Imagination level is extreme . ma'am please go through my new poems 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Anushka for your visit. I will return the favour later today. All good wishes.
read moreThank you Anushka for your visit. I will return the favour later today. All good wishes.

Chris

[AJNJ]

This a beautiful and thoughtful poem on every creature on earth struggling to find its foothold, its rightful place under the sun. Some succeed, some don't. And for every success, there are a thousand failures. Such is nature and its ruthless game of choice. I sense a compassion in you, for those who are less fortunate than you in life and that's a quality way beyond beautiful in a human soul and that to me, made this poem so special.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pestonjee, thank you so much for your thoughts here. Compassion costs nothing. I wish it would spread as speedily as that damn virus has. Hope all is OK with you and it's great to find you here.

Chris

[AJNJ]

Things are looking up in my city so there's something to smile about.
You're welcome Ms. Chris. It's such a pleasure of mine!

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased to hear that. Keep safe.

[AJNJ]

You too, my friend...

[Jimmy Yetts]

Breathtaking imagery.
Yes, they call out for freedom in troubled lands--even, here, in the United States, where
the socialist barbarians have--for far too long--been inside the gates.
Work to be admired, Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jimmy. Wherever we hail from there are always those who are far worse off. I count my blessings for what I have while remembering those who struggle with life.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

A sunken boat cannot save the drowning.

[John the Baptist]

This is one that should definitely be committed to oil and canvas. The first several verses are one beautiful word picture after another. Then suddenly the beauty of nature is counterbalanced by the awareness that there are many who may be looking at similar scenes, but with different outlooks. Many there are who suffer under totalitarianism, shortages and climatic disasters. Hopefully they will one day be able to gaze upon beautiful sunsets with the ability to appreciate them fully.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for sharing your thoughts on this poem. They are delightful. All good wishes.

Chris