Lark Ascending

(In praise of Vaughan Williams, Welsh Composer)

a violin plays Vaughan Williams

it's four steel core strings

strung to Welsh perfection

vibrations of high pitched

notes float in spiral movement

as the reed bow sweeps low

then moves slowly upwards

imitating a lark, the messenger

of a brand new morning

rising above roof tops, above spires

higher on spanned feathered wings

avian beauty scaling the heights

ascending in circular flight

in blue sky above verdant green

fields of English countryside

close your weary eyes

transcend closer to the sleeping stars

soaring in new found freedom

far above the problematic earth

far from the troubles of the day

rebirth, there fly i

Reviews

[willweb]

I am not familiar with this musician but I am familiar with the person or persons who possess the talents that make us want to write about them. Your poem is a beautiful tribute to someone I am sure was an amazing violinist and every time I read something like this or hear a musician I wonder...how many are as talented but no one has ever heard of them. Loved your poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

A favorite piece of classical violin will, by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It truly is hypnotic and has me ascending with the lark. Good for the soul music. I am touched by your lovely review. Many thank yous.

Chris

[alexAlexander]

I would gladly take this Lark ascending flight, such elegance. Far from the troubles of today.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review.

Chris

[alexAlexander]

You are welcome. Great poet...

[Thomas W Case]

Brilliant. You make the scene come alive with the use of the senses.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Thomas, I appreciate your visit. Happy Tuesday.

Chris

[Neville]

Being a bit of a horneythologist myself, I found myself drawn to the title which immediately appealed to me and everything that then followed just got better and better .. a real reading treat rising and falling like a lark itself might in the flesh so to speak .. this speaks to me of freedom or of breaking free .. forgive me but it has a very English feel to it too .. though bound to have universal appeal .. Just sorry it took me so long after it's maiden flight to get here .. muchly enjoyed Chris .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Neville for your encouraging review. If this poem has a very English feel then that makes it all the better. Pleased you enjoyed it.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

'Lark ascending' is a wonderful, enjoyable symphony by this much-acclaimed composer. When you posted I checked on him and listened to the specific symphony.
Enjoyed tremendously!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami. Pleased you listened to the music. It is a wonderful relaxing treat.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

I agree. Put me in another world.

[Chris Shaw]

That is exactly how I feel when I listen to it. A remarkable piece of music.

[Sami Khalil]

It is indeed

[Soren]

Music takes me to new heights and away from the problems of the day. Just like a bird I can fly with such such beautiful notes. This poem read so easily I felt that I was flying with it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for that lovely review. Music does have that ability to make you lose yourself. This piece by Vaughan Williams has me flying with the lark. Incredibly relaxing and soothing.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I enjoyed the incorporation of Green Sleeves into the music of Williams' Fantasia. It's one of the few classical tunes I've heard from him. There was rumor once that the piece (Green Sleeves) was composed by Henry VIII but that claim is now largely dismissed by most musical scholars. I'm more of a Mozart fan when it comes to classical but I love all sorts and I love this poetic offering to a wonderful composer. Classical music often has a soothing effect on the turmoil of the soul.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. I am fond of classical music, particularly Vaughan Williams. It can indeed soothe, but can also do the opposite. Pleased you enjoyed this older poem of mine.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

One of my favourite pieces by one of my favorite composers. This to me is pure Englishness. As is your poem. The best of my birth country steeped in the history and traditions. Without the scubby feelings of today and its coldness and rage and lack of anything approaching empathy.
World class, pastorale and deep poem.

[Chris Shaw]

I am so happy that you enjoyed this poem Ken. I love your review and can’t thank you enough for your encouragement. Pleased you called on this older poem.

Chris

[AYVID N]

How did I miss this poem! It's a masterpiece of yours! It's beyond beautiful how the notes rise in personification of a lark, above rooftops and spires, ascending high, the sky and touching the sleeping stars. Indeed, that music must be absolutely divine. I think it's tough to describe music in words but you did it in such a breathtaking way here. You're an amazing writer, dear Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear DIVYA, I am so pleased you enjoyed this older write and you have me blushing with your praise. It is a favorite piece of classical music so I tried hard to convey the emotion felt when listening to it as well as conveying the imagery of the park ascending. Thank you always for your continued support of my efforts. I am truly grateful.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Your effort paid off absolutely! The outcome enthralls. A poem to be proud of. You're most welcome, dear Chris.