Mud Maid In Winter

A living sculpture in woodland in the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall

mud maid sleeps soundly
lays low in permanent unmoving
her left shoulder and rounded rump
form hills of femininity
exposed to nature’s elements
she slumbers

attired in cold keeping
resting on her side
her sculpted body and head
embrace snow crystals
flakes softly falling
leave light kisses

on ivy’s clinging coat
settling on womanly curves
her eyes will never open
she will never see the seasons
the day finds her clad
in winter coldness

a blanket of thin whiteness
surrounds her
as do naked trees on guard
her army protects her
year on year rain or shine
grounded she remains
in her woodland domain

Reviews

[Eilis]

When I first started reading, I thought this was maybe about a bog person. That is a fascinating topic that Seamus Heaney wrote a series of poems about. But I was pleased to discover it was a different subject and something new to me. I love the mystery and life you give to the mud maid here. She’s of the earth but of us as well. We see and experience her existence through the lens of our understanding and that in itself is fascinating.

Your poem evokes that sense of mystery that accompanies new discovery—especially whimsical discoveries like this one. But I also sense that you are familiar with her but always surprised. If that makes sense.

It’s a lovely portrait of a secret in the woods. That’s how it’s made me feel. Like I’ve walked up on some secret magic and beauty tucked under the trees. I really enjoyed this, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this poem Eilis. I was fascinated by her. A living sculpture that changes with the seasons. I saw some lovely photographs of her, but found her winter look most captivating, especially when it was snowing. Thank you so much for the read and your encouraging review. All good wishes,

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I wonder if this is where they got the idea for Te Fiti in the children's movie, Moana. The sculpture of the "Mud Maid" predates the movie by 18 years so that makes me curious. At any rate, it's very cool. I enjoyed your tribute.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. I don’t know about the movie Moana. You raised an interesting point. I am pleased however that you enjoyed my tribute to the Mud Maid. All the best.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

How wonderfully you use descriptive imagery, Chris! I had to look up the Mud Maid so I could see if the mental image you painted was accurate....and of course it was. Trees as guards and ivy as a coat....oh, I really enjoyed this one, Chris. Lydi*

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, so pleased you googled her. She changes with each season. Delighted that you enjoyed this poem. Many thanks for stopping by and leaving your kind thoughts.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

I googled her, the Lost Valley, her enchanting ponds ...
If your beautiful piece doesn't open her eyes, Chris, nothing will :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for googling her Dylan. She changes with each season. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. All the best.

Chris

[LisaCarol]

This was stunning and provided a great visual of the mud maid. Thank you for sharing your writing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much LisaCarol. So pleased you enjoyed this poem. She is a living sculpture who changes with the seasons. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

i love this personification of earth. while in our modern age we feel so detatched from the soil, it is from soil we came and to soil we return. the godess in this work is tired but is resilient - immortal. and we her children will always come back to her, even if we spend much of our lives preoccupied by silly games society expects us to play. but mother earth is calling, we will answer. it is only a matter of time.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ern for your thoughts on Mud Maid, a living sculpture that changes with each season. I appreciate your visit and your share.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

You got this imagery so well Chris. As always your high standard of writing shows. Very nice Chris. A most enjoyable read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew for your encouragement. All good wishes.

Chris

[D. Mansfield]

I really like this poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Danny. Appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

love the imagery Chris. Poem reads like living breathing maid, of mud perhaps, but flesh in the mind of this reader

happy new yr belatedly

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ken a belated HNY to you also. I hope all is good in your world. Thank you for calling on Mud Maid. Yes, she is a living sculpture that changes with the seasons. I wanted to capture her in her winter dress. All good wishes.

Chris

[Pete]

one instance of mud we shouldn't mind slinging. beautifully mysterious and intriguing. one could easily get lost and stuck in her, nicely described.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Re-Pete. She is a living sculpture that changes with the seasons. She fascinated me.
read moreThank you Re-Pete. She is a living sculpture that changes with the seasons. She fascinated me.

Chris