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.

[moog-drika]

What a warm poetry it is!
The cycle of sun surely makes us realize that life will have both positive and negative ingredients but we should not give up. It's our hope and dedication that can change the situation for something better.
I love the portrayal having such a positive tone amidst the battle of struggles.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear moog-drika, thank you my young friend for the warmth you found in my lines a d the thoughts you shared. Your visit most appreciated.

Chris

[Fay Slimm]

Wonderful words Chris - that description of a "warm summer sky
runny with orange blossom honey
thickly spread and set" really did it for me - - I was there in that sunset and thinking of those dreaming of better sunsets somewhere on this "unequal earth" - - your warm heart shows through each line my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Sunsets are for sharing Fay. So pleased you enjoyed my efforts here. Your visit welcome and appreciated. Many thanks.

Chris

[FJ Davis]

Very much like those ink-blot tests, what you see reflects who you are.
Lovely, hopeful and caring.
You and your healing pen, Chris, help make the world a better place.

[Chris Shaw]

What an uplifting review to read. Your visit and thoughts so appreciated.

Chris

[emmajoy]

' .. swimming in a warm summer sky - runny with orange blossom honey - thickly spread and set.. '

Beautiful words, perhaps wishful thinking.. perhaps dream=time set before sad eyes.. perhaps: hope. You have a way of leading words into a gentle pointing finger that says: take notice, even if you might not agree. There are so many invisible paths to follow here, leading to so many factors which, perhaps in the day to day, we forget.. or I do.. foolishly. Lesson still being recognised, Chris,

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em for your thoughts and consideration given to these words. Sometimes we do fail to appreciate what we have in comparison to others. Some people have a real struggle in life. I try to remember that. Have aovy Friday.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Always have tried to remember that, comes of coming from a large family and closed community perhaps! But what you've said, dear Chris, highlights what I've felt when collecting with a charity box for this or that. Amazing how invisible charity is - except when at home! Have a happy w/e with family and good friends,

[...]

I often read some poem and have hard time to write any good response on it. This poem have quiet rich expressions all this organic textures . There is empathy for those who cannot experience personal freedom. This poem have so many different levels to be explore . And everyone can put own meaning. Cause this poem is like elixir of freedom. I like the ending , to grow in more fruitful soil. I think that's very captivating.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for the insights you show when you read my work. You have a good understanding of what I am writing about. I thank you for that.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

Chris, this is a timely poem, one that I believe speaks to the value of gratitude. Many of us, especially in the Cafe, have blessings beyond measure. I often think of friends and now their children who are serving in the military and still fighting in the Middle East, and some in parts of Africa and beyond, hunting terrorists.

And, then there are our fellow humans across the globe who eat less in one week than many eat in one meal. I've had the scenic view you so vividly described, the fireball sun descending between the pines, and I must admit I often lose sight of the beauty and the blessings because I'm consumed with the trivial matters of home and our politics. Your poem is a good reminder our view of the horizon is much better than that of millions of others.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Robert. Thank you for a marvellous review. You have said it all here. Our side of the horizon certainly has a better aspect than many have. Always appreciate your thoughtful visits.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful epic journey in your words dear Chris.
"how many stare at the setting sun
elsewhere on our unequal earth
dreaming their chance too will come"
My favorite lines are above. I hope you are doing well and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry. Sometimes all we have is hope and prayers left.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. It is good to put yourself in the shoes of others every now and again. It makes you appreciate everything you have got. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Lorry]

Ahh, I could almost picture that skyball of fire you talk of, from what I was promised would be a heatwave, but has turned out to be far soggier than expected, with little to no heat to speak of.
But apart from that, I wonder why everyone thinks we're obsessed with the weather 😀
A beautifully painted image of what I can only dream of seeing or feeling any time soon.
And as for the horizon, it is right there, four feet in front of my nose, covered in cloud.
Hmm, maybe I'll re-review this one when the sun comes out 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Poor you Lorry, if you haven:t got enough to contend with when it comes to kettles and radios, you have a great cloud in front of you too. Are you sure you haven't left the kettle boiling its brains out? Seriously if you have it soggy up there, you could always move to the sunny south to be with us sassanachs. Have I spelt it right? Hope the sun shines on you soon. You need to get your vitamin D stores built up.

Chris

Chris

[Lorry]

The vitamin shelves emptied quicker than loo roll, but luckily I always have a spare. If you saw a pic of Scotland from space right now, I bet the clouds would look like a perfectly fitting fluffy onesie. And they call this summer!!! &! 😀

[Davidgeo]

The sun is jewel to all that prospers from it.

Which is such a general statement... it includes slavery, cannibalism, rape, incest, murder, all manner of domestic violence, and not to mention... the end of the world. On the far side of the horizon.... I suppose it's all about your attitude. Or maybe what you've directly seen.

[Chris Shaw]

I have been fortunate in my life finding the sun an asset, yes a jewel. To many others it would be a curse, responsible for all sorts of nasties. All you have mentioned plus famine and disease too. Ever grateful for what I have when some have nothing. We need to remind ourselves and others of that. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

You're a light in the darkness.