Back to the plains

The world spread out far below my snow- washed terrains,

I heard a song in the air, beckoning me back to the plains,

The sun burnt down, in mocking eyes, the glory-seeker's vain wishes,

And, in misty eyes, the lone traveller sighed a sigh of wistulness.

The path downhill seldom frowned, the grey gave way to the green,

The gurgling streams, the sun-washed slopes smiled as in a distant dream,

Sometimes, a lonely traveller crept out of the darkness, bleak,

With weary limbs and dreamy eyes, he asked, "How farther to the peak?"

"Up there," I said - with a nod and a smile, we parted ways,

He , to his glory,  and me,  to my abandoned place.

Here, it smiles, in blissful solitude - my cottage by the sea;

The fire in the hearth smiles back, clapping its hands in childish glee,

Yet, there hangs about, in the morning air, a deep melancholy,

They linger on, in the forgotten ruins- the vestiges of an untold story.

They've left for the peak - all but the child who sits at the door,

Playing his flute, in varying tunes, over the lonely ocean's roar.

I  find , in his song, in his bright young eyes,

The urge to break free - to touch the burning skies, 

And, slowly, in a  trance, he steps  beyond  the cloud,

The flute drops from his frozen fingers-the song lies buried in the snowy ground.

I hear, high above, on the peaks, they've found a new world,

Where they spend their days in a golden cage - the wingless bird.

The ogress smiles, in silent glee, scorn on her visage,

As she ensnares the little ones in the snowy mirage.

The day smiles on, as she goes along - she sighs with the evening breeze,

If only she could pull the peaks down to the forsaken seas!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is somma the BEST descriptive lyrical writing I've read in awhile. It's very inspiring for a writer to read . . . makes me want to go do some of this myself. I love the way you use dynamic verbs & personification to bring this scene alive . . . also love your rhyme & rhythm in a relaxed style. Here in the USA, we have "plains" (the huge flat interior) and then we have "coastlines" (very different). Also, there's hardly a coastline here that would get snow (warmer by the coasts). That's why it was a geographical experience to read & consider the terrain you describe as being so different than what I would expect from your title! *smile* Fondly, Margie

[Esther]

Actually, the narrator is on top of the mountains in the beginning.
Thanks a lot for the review!

[barleygirl]

Yes, quite a bit of your poem felt like it was in more rugged terrain than was suggested to me by the title, based on my experience of "plains" here! *smile*

[emmajoy]

There is so much beauty in your words, a colourful, moving, beckoning scenario, little clues, large panoramas each and all adding so many dimensions to this grand poem - complete with meter perfect, sounds echoing, rhythm content, Esther. Start to finish i needed to pause to read this or that phrase again.. til.. til.. the end, sad, wistful, set on a different plain.. and yet, still beckoning me to read it way through, again,

'The day smiles on, as she goes along - she sighs with the evening breeze,
If only she could pull the peaks down to the forsaken seas!'

[Esther]

Thank you!

[richieb]

Esther,
This is a wonderful poem. The imagery and metaphors are very creative. You are a gifted writer.
I love the line "The flute drops from his frozen fingers- the song lies buried in the snowy ground." Your poem could be narrated while watching a scene from "The Lord of the Rings." High marks For your writing, I love it!
Peace and Joy,
Richie b.

[Esther]

Thank you!:)))))

[The ArK]

Wow! This was an excellent read! All the titles of your poems reminds me of Ruskin Bond, this one particularly. Also with the choice of words and the compassion towards the nature reflecting in the lines, I really felt like I was reading Ruskin Bond.

Great work Esther!

[Esther]

Thank you! Ruskin Bond is one of my favourites.

[Onlyme]

Picture perfect imagery used. In this very descriptive poem of a story.

[Esther]

Thank you!

[Chris Shaw]

Full of imagery. I appreciated the mountain setting. Descriptive writing, Esther, I enjoyed the read. All good wishes.

Chris

[Esther]

Thanks a lot!

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Beautiful place you write of I can see the icy hills and taste the fresh air- Sanctuary for the soul-we all need a place like this to escape to- wonderful🌹

[Esther]

Thank you!

[Katie]

Such imagery and metaphors. This is an amazing poem. I praise your work every time I read it. :)

[Esther]

Thank you!

[oliver west]

Very beautiful description with good diction.thanks for sharing.

[Esther]

Thank you!

[Perdition]

You're trying to make me quit aren't you? Well it won't work! I read this wonderful "thing", it's voice from somewhere struggling but not in beauty and I slowed. The kettle roared and the busy road conspired to keep me from your words but I would not be denied. This is by all means,,,poetry. Thank you fo sharing it~

[Esther]

Your replies are unique. I'm glad you liked the poem . Thanks a lot!