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

[Amanda Reynolds]

I love how this all begins with "mud" and evolves from there, waiting to wake up again, beautiful!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ananda, your thoughts are much appreciated.

Chris

[Twilight]

This has been thoughtfully, and eloquently written. How rare it seems, these days, to find someone who genuinely appreciates; the intrinsic beauty of a carefully sculptured statue? In this instance, an iconic one of a sort.

It reminded me of a white statue, right at the back of our shared communal garden; which we brought back with us - having moved from Allestree. Of course, I moved it for her; as my mother is somewhat frail. Having said that, I actually grew up in northwest London.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for your friend request. I am a Londoner by birth, but moved away to the country, many years ago. I don’t think I could ever move back. Good to meet you Twilight. Look forward to reading more of your work.

Chris

[Twilight]

I was born in northwest London. The growing up, followed on from there.! In most respects, I am pleased to have relocated/escaped; since the autumn of 2005.! Keep calm & carry on writing too. Julian

[red93]

This is Fabulous Chris, lovely Cornwall, I can see you travel extensively all over the South of England - so much to see, so much to do. Another Free Verse Triumph ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony. I love the south west. Spent many a happy holiday in both Devon and Cornwall. The mud maid is a fascinating living sculpture. She changes with the seasons. I had a desire to sing her praise.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris
you certainly do bring this old sculpture to life....your words perfectly portray her in the cold wintertime...where she is protected in the forest....gentle snow covers her....she is shaped like a curvaceous woman..."her eyes will never open, she will never see the seasons"....is a perfect description...She will always be grounded, no matter what season....beautiful creative piece, as always
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Betty. The mud maid is a living sculpture. She changes with the seasons. A fascinating piece of art. I wanted to sing her praises. Have a wonderful Sunday dear poet.

Chris 🌹

[Betty Hermelee]

a pleasure always Chris, happy o day!
warmly, B🌷🌷🌷

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you Pete and Sue Hill for this eerie, but living sculpture. Fascinating indeed. Thank you Chris Shaw for writing about it and bringing it to life.

[Chris Shaw]

And thank you Sami for stopping by to acknowledge the existence of this fascinating, living sculpture. Pleased you looked her up and found more. Have a great day.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

I sure did. And you are welcome gladly.