From Eyesore to Sight For Sore Eyes

(praise where praise is due)

where once this landscape was a mess
of gravel pits and ugliness
within a flood plain of the Thames
a transformation's taken place

how flawless is it's new attire
where gleaming lakes and swaying trees
make walks beside the water's hem
an April gift of happiness

a natural habitat it seems
a perfect spot to pause and dream
while waterfowl and chirping birds
are company along the way

where bindweed trumpets greet the morn
in shades of pinks and pearly whites
give thanks and praise for what is seen
our local planners got it right

Reviews

[Neville]

Ha .. how I so wish my very dear friend Steve 'Havoc' Hewitt my blood brother and partner in crhyme could be around today to wallow and rejoice in these words .. He was a very fine town planner who believed in creating healthy towns and cities .. I dare anyone to read his obituary in the Guardian without either shedding a tear or returning to these fine words for a second helping of heaven :)

[Chris Shaw]

I know I would have liked him Neville. I must make a point of looking up his obit in the Guardian. What a loss he must be to you. Thank you for visiting the lakes and spending some time there.

Chris

[SavannahKay]

What a beautiful poem as well as the imagery it brings about! I love when cities decide to try to reclaim nature back into their designs and make themselves more green and pretty!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you SavannahKay for stopping by to share your thoughts. You are most welcome.

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

Local planners do get some things right, some of the time. As you say, Chris, praise where praise is due! I enjoyed reading this poem, with its feelgood factor and poetic imagery!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Robert. Apologies for the lateness of this response. Your review most appreciated.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

It would be nice if the planners could get a copy of your poem. Nice to find inspiration in progress instead of decay too. We see our planet and your corner of it in your words. Poetry is kind of like little news reports of conditions on the planet, and our minds and hearts.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Bill. The planners often get bad press but I believe in praise where praise is due. What they have overseen here has been great for the local community and for wildlife. Appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Carola]

the before & after vista must be very striking after the quarry was closed, & how pleasing for the locals & for the birds a new place to forage. I'm guessing this is close by where you live.
a feel-good read for me.
cheerio carola

[Chris Shaw]

Very close to where I live so the local community has really reaped the benefits. Lovely to see the wildlife. Thanks Carola.

Chris

[JE Falcon]

Such an upbeat poem and a nice testament to urban planning at its best. It sounds like a great place to write a poem, or two, or maybe a bunch. :)

[Chris Shaw]

It is an inspirational place for sure. Beautiful scenery, totally back to nature. Love it. Thank you Falcon.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

YAY to the local planners! Many cities have recently transformed into "green" and clean places to live. I am so happy that they cleaned up in your area, because it's great for the environment and beautiful for those who live nearby, to be able to enjoy the the area. Many of us are not as fortunate to have pretty and "green" places to live or visit. Very relatable Chris...I live in a small town and thankfully it's clean with gorgeous mountains surrounding me. Best to you
B

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Betty for your thoughtful review. The community has really benefitted and it is great to see the wildlife. Really beautiful place to walk and on the doorstep too.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome!

[cheyenne s garcia]

I enjoyed this piece. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Cheyenne, pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Patricia]

How nice this transformation must be, you have such lovely landscapes, I have to leave my state for distant ones to change landscape, truly envious that you have that. Very nice writing Chris, such a pleasure! Hugs!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Patricia. We are lucky. Within five minutes from home we have open countryside and the river. What a shame you have to travel. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... it must be lovely along the Thames... the Water Fowl and singing Birds. In Virginia, USA, we have the Shenandoah River. We have often spent time at a somewhat Private Cove where Water Falls cascade before our Eyes... a Memory embedded in our Heart. I am praying to see a Rainbow this Summer, as we have not seen a Rainbow for about five years; although others in the USA may have seen one. For years, we always had Rainbows... a Promise from God that therein lies Hope. Perhaps when I Paint a Canvas with Oils of Summer... I will include a light Rain and a Rainbow. Your Poetry has inspired me so. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear lovely Pat. Pleased to hear my poetry has inspired you. Luckily for us, we have frequent shows of rainbows. We often get rain and sun together. Thank you for sharing the Shanandoah river with me. I can remember a song from way back referring to it. Yes the Thames has very beautiful parts to it, also very busy as it flows through our capital city. It inspires me to write. Sending all good wishes across the pond this Wednesday.

Chris