Images Altered

skyscape shows smokey greys

vistas awash in a sea of blandness

lights blend into darker hues

shades of insipid seen in between

craggy summits surrounded by

uninhabitable shapes of land mass

ridges rise tall standing proud

in their whispered beauty

ascending to a never ending story

yet the wind plays its soft music

it tickles edges with gentle breath

it stirs at hems of mist filled lakes

barely noticeable are altered states

so slowly does movement occur

mountain ranges become curves

height disappears, plateaus appear

as wind taps with its own baton and 

conducts a lively symphony

as pace quickens out scuttles

cloud revealing a clear cobalt sky

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris… today is Tuesday, March 28, 2023… and I am aware of a new medical diagnosis.. for myself.. I may have another Miracle; however, Poetry for Certain will see me through… as I spend my days in Spring and Summer… and then the Autumn warmth of Magenta and Gold… softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, my thoughts are with you at a difficult time. I know for sure that poetry has been a good companion to me when times have been rough. Sending you all good wishes and prayers for miracles with a huge bouquet of spring daffodils. Winging their way across the pond.

Chris ❤️

[Patricia Wedel]

Awww… a 💕 lovely response … Spring is very healing… Roger and I both have challenges that need rest and good nutrition. Of course, fresh air with birdsong and flowers, as well as the Spring Rain is a blessing. Thank you for your Prayers… I expect a full recovery, but will not have a final answer until I heal from a second breast operation since 2007. It reminds me of being at the Seashore and building a Sand Castle as the Waves glisten and the Seagulls are Angels with soft feathers of recovery. Faith is a Fountain of Hope. softly, Pat

[Remanence]

I can well imagine that this describes what the men who turned away from civilization saw in the mountains and why they loved the unspoiled wilderness of the North America of the 1700s - 1860s. They did not have your ability to express, but they had your heart, eye and desire for nature on the grand scale. Your description took me back to an earlier day on the Red Lodge Road of Montana where one can still wind through the peaks above the clouds. Superb imagery Chris. Sights and sounds made alive!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Watercress for your encouraging review. Pleased I was able to activate your memory to the Red Lodge Road, which is clearly a wonderful place to be. Always good to have your support.

Chris

[Remanence]

And yours, dear Lady, and I am just one of your very many followers who appreciate and benefit from your commntary. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much :)

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Reminded me of the land my grandmother owned... was often lost in it on those Sundays she didn't allow us to watch television, outside was all we had. I would stare down from a tree or what felt like a mountain to me back then, and wonder... how it all got there. Superb piece, thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

I used to play out alot as a child too Travis. Always in the fresh air. My grandma said it was good for us. Thank you so much for your review. Pleased you enjoyed this poem.

Chris

[.]

It's not a poem, it's a painting!! You are so prolific in describing the various aspect of sky and its altered images... So beautiful to even read it. As if I was experiencing it myself.... You created a bliss in this writing

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sima, you always leave such encouraging and uplifting reviews. Thank you dear poet.
read moreDear Sima, you always leave such encouraging and uplifting reviews. Thank you dear poet.

Chris

[Space]

Reading this gave me a nostalgic feeling during the time I was reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. You wrote your words like an artist who was about to paint a landscape on a blank pale canvas, with both being passionate and artistic on one's work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much DaisyinNeptune for checking in and leaving such a lovely review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[KWP]

reminds me of when I was in the UK and exploring the Lakes district - it was terribly wet when I was there. Climbed Hevellan (is that how to spell that) what a treat that was, to scramble up up up into the clouds. It was very cold. Loved walking along the ridge in the fog and mist. Nice visuals Chris :D XXX

[Chris Shaw]

The Lake District is exceptionally beautiful, although it attracts much inclement weather. The rolling mists I always find fascinating. Like ghostly veils :) Cold and wet, and you need good walking boots :) Thank you so much for checking out my cloud gazing write. I love morphing clouds and the pictures they gift :)

Chris

[Kerra]

Ah, love that last line about Cobalt blue, you paint quite an image with you words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kerra. I appreciate the visit.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

https://youtu.be/r0EMrJTgqgM
:) ... ahh the wind! well done .. you capture its fickle heart and power .. like whispers .. I have been to the Rockies from British Columbia to New Mexico ... tho the majesty of the high peaks capped in white are magnificent .. I found a greater love in those old and worn down with wind and time. Thank you for the optimistic closing .. i love a good suspense that has one ... peace dear sister!! you be well and stay safe .. thanks for sharing always your well thought and creative poetry ....
I keep trying to sign my E. and send a heart; but the site is acting up again ... no hearts .. no smiley faces ... its on a rampage .. i am convinced it is that nasty little grey box with the x in that does it.... errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for the link. Ah Hendrix, takes me back to my youth. Seems so long ago now. You are so right about the wind having a fickle heart. Gentle one minute, raging the next. So pleased you enjoy my efforts. Wish I had more time to pen more but have a very busy family life. Currently five adults in my household :) Ah yes the site playing up all the time. Plenty of gremlins. Sending you all good wishes across the pond and an imagined sprig of white orange blossom from my garden. Its fragrance is divine. Thank you Mr E, always.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

I always enjoy reading your stuff my friend .. right here at the Cafe'

[Aldo kraas]

That poem is the finest poem I ever read
I hope you will write more poems

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Aldo, wow. Pleased you liked my poem so much. Thank you very much.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

you just time traveled in 20 lines:) that's a pretty good trick! I love the imagery you placed in this one Chris as well as the inquisitive nature within the couplets

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Bunny for your kind review. All the best from this side of the pond.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Damn you have grand control over the English language.

"mountain ranges become curves..."

That's high beauty how you put that. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Tiger cat eh? I bet he's got sharp claws. Thanks for the read and stopping by to leave your thoughts.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

He's actually called a Savannah Cat. And, for better or for worse, those damn claws are very sharp. These cats don't scratch you, they cut you. (and he bites harder than a normal cat, it's weird hearing the "pop" of your skin getting pierced when he bites me in anger)