June Regatta

on the south side of this meadow
where bales of cut hay bake in heat
Hotel California blasts its beat in the
direction of Caryl Anna moored beside
river bank’s comely wild flowers

the memory of earlier dragon boats
linger with their distinct drums thumping
in time to paddle strokes of each sixteen
in each watercraft on a clear mission
to win the annual competition

stall holders entice with their wares
scrumptious food for sale and silk
garlands for women of a certain age
who recall the flowers that adorned
their once long sixties style hair

green grass freshly mown is covered
with young friends out for Saturday fun
the regatta is in full time summer flow
look at the smiling faces of the kids
who know all about saving the planet

taking advantage of the cool waters
drinking themselves a little silly all day
enjoying the blue skies and light breeze
their cans and plastic bottles left behind
forgotten discarded nothing more to say

Reviews

[Neville]

.. it seems that sadly, double standards are all the rage in certain quarters .. but hey, I've never been to a regatta tho' strangely felt very much at home and comfortable here Chris .. and for the record, I've lost count of the times I stayed back after Glastonbury, Reading, Download, WOMAD & the Shrewsbury Folk Festivals to help with the clearing up .. you would be amazed what one finds .. I once asked Michael Eaves what the oddest thing left behind after Glastonbury was .. He said a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow ..
I kid you not ............. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

You would have loved the regatta Neville. Beautiful scenery, by the river, dragon boats, music, food and drink. And happy in abundance. So many happy people. The young ones too happy to remember to look after their litter and far too happy to think about the planet.

That Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. I just shared that with John. We were both gobsmacked. A bit different from a burning tent eh and rubbish.

Thank you for your thoughts. Have a great Saturday in the sunshine.

Chris

[Soren]

I felt as though I was watching an impressionistic painting being made. The images and colors layered on with the portrayal of emotion behind them. The rhythm of the flow seemed the waters running. Very nice Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

What a beautiful review. I like impressionist paintings very much. Thank you Soren. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Chris. I loved the story in the poetry. I wanted to know more. You took me to many places and thoughts. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote. We all enjoyed a wonderful day at the regatta yesterday. It was a pity about the rubbish left behind when it ended, to spoil the beautiful setting by the river. Have a great Sunday.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Same here in Michigan. Trashcan near and people toss their garbage on the ground. Piss me off. You are welcome dear Chris.

[Lorry]

Even on a beautiful, warm day, with winter long forgotten, we still leave our mark behind by forgetting the beautiful scen that we enjoyed and leaving our man made mess behind to spoil it for others.
But then, no one wanted to listen to me when I came up with the idea of putting shock collars on humans who litter!
"but that's inhumane!" they say!
"But they would learn" I reply! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lorry. A truly memorable day. Perfect in every way until everyone went home and the plastic and cans were left, and mainly by the ones who are most vociferous about the destruction of our planet.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

As always well crafted.

Off-topic: Just found a some quotes from TS Eliot who said poetry doesn’t start in the mind but in the emotions and he often didn’t know what he was trying to say until after he had said it.
I found that helpful.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Winston. An interesting note you have added about TS Eliot. I have to agree with a poem not always starting in the mind but in the emotions. That is more or less how I get to write. I appreciate you.

Chris