Mud Maid In Winter

Mud Maid In Winter

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

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


© 2025 Chris Shaw


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Reviews

This is such a wonderful and beautiful write.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Thank you so much Starr. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. All the best.

Chris
The mention of "ivy’s clinging coat" settling on her womanly curves enhances the sense of her being part of nature, enveloped in its embrace. Her eyes, "never open," signify a perpetual sleep, a timeless presence that transcends the changing seasons. It further explores the theme of protection, with "naked trees on guard" forming her "army" that shields her year-round. This imagery underscores her enduring strength and the unchanging nature of her existence, grounded in her woodland realm. Such a serene blending of elements of nature and femininity with a sense of eternal stillness. A true delight to read, Chris!
Freds.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Freds, your comprehensive review is so encouraging. Mud maid is a true work of art in the real worl.. read more
bred Brick Keshner

2 Months Ago

Most welcome Chris! 👍🏻🙏🏻🕊
Freds.
dear Chris... this Winter has been a stumbling Block... a Statue in repose...
thank you for your understanding. gently. Pat

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Dear Pat, we woke up to snow this morning and it is so very cold, many thanks for the warmth you bri.. read more
Statues are frozen in time... as though flowers disappear beyond the tears... we pause to reminisce ... softly, Pat

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Thank you dear Pat for your beautiful and poetic response. Mud maid is a living sculpture. She chang.. read more
Your poem is nicely written, and I like it.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a nice comment. I appreciate your visit.

read more
Sculptures and statues have a mystique about them. They're almost real. Your descriptions are top notch Chris. Well done.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Thank you my friend. A living sculpture that changes with the seasons. I hope I did her justice. Yo.. read more
Ah, this is so magically and beautifully written.
Amazing write Chris.

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

So pleased you enjoyed this poem. Many thanks for stopping by poetgurl.

Chris
poetgurl

2 Months Ago

not a a problem, enjoyed your write
This is beautifully crafted and exceptionally penned. The imagery of winter and its scenery is painted with precision and care

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Many thanks PB. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. A beautiful living sculpture which changes with the .. read more
This poem beautifully captures the stillness and timelessness of the mud maid. The imagery is vivid, and the connection between her and nature feels serene and profound. A peaceful and enchanting read, Chris!

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Many thanks Martiya for leaving your valued thoughts. Much appreciated. Have a great day.
read more
Nice! I alternative googled it (I don't trust 'em) and now I wanna go there. It looks beautiful in spring, which I assume by the flora and fauna is when the pics were taken.
I saw the sleeping lady, but my favourite I'd the head with flowers for hair growing from it.
I'm gonna shoe Katie because i know it will give her ideas for our neck of the woods and now she's the boss lady, might get a freebie trip out of it too! 😃
I love how natural it looks, despite the obvious personmadeness of it all (and yes, that's how woke I am!) 😃
Don't you just love coming across something so surprising and beautiful that someone had to have had an idea that came into being despite all the buueroc...beaurock...committee's involved!
Thanks for that Chris. That's fair cheered me up at silly o'clock of a Monday morning, during a minus degrees howler! 😀

Posted 2 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

2 Months Ago

Hi Lorry, pleased you looked this one up. Mud maid is rather lovely and changes with the seasons. Ye.. read more

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Added on January 4, 2025
Last Updated on January 4, 2025

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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