Jewels of the River

Out of the mists of early dawn

that veil the river's sleepy flow

which roll across the dew-wet fields

to linger where the hedgerows grow.

In waters spiked with broken reeds

float lily leaves, small craft shaped boats,

a lonesome swan dips down to feed

beguiling in his down-white coat.

Bright sun breaks through, it glows rich gold,

the mute glides on the crystalline,

then stands in shallows near the bank,

surveying all that he deems fine.

His plumage shapes into a fan,

he preens himself, full stretches wings,

then flaps the surface, whips up drops

of crystal water which he flings

into the air with mighty force,

dispersing spray caught in the light.

Like splintered glass, ten thousand shards

of diamonds glinting in full flight,

which sparkle as they greet the sun.

Ten seconds pass, the show is done,

the gems rain down and all are lost,

beneath the river, every one.

Reviews

[DIVYA]

Dear Chris,

I read the poem just enthralled at the climax of the scene. The spectacular things in Nature are sometimes so hidden and there must be so much of it happening if only we'd care to look for them. This was one such event that could beat a grand stage show hollow and none can compete with it's glory, nor recreate it with the best of human heads.

Once again, it's your sheer gift for bringing a thing of such breathtaking beauty in all its vividness to the reader. First, the buildup, then the introduction of the swan and then whipping up of the crystal storm and its splintering into a thousand shards, its all written with such flair and skilled beauty. I could absolutely see it in slow motion with a maestro's symphony accompanying it , in my mind.

Kudos! This was an unforgettable reading experience!

[Chris Shaw]

Divya, I thank you for your review. Thrilled I am that you enjoyed this poem. Yes, I tried to slow it all down to capture all the splendour. Lovely it was to witness. Have a great day.

Chris

[DIVYA]

It was such a pleasure to read. You have a great day too.

[Betty Hermelee]

A moment in time, when one sees a beautiful swan in her natural habitat and all the movements that she displays.. flying high then diving into the river. which ends at sea....like life which ends at death....the mist and the dew on the fields, burns off as the sun peeks....your words glistening as the river flows....
Wonderful write Chris .
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Betty you always leave such thoughtful reviews. Thank you my friend. Have a wonderful Tuesday.
read moreBetty you always leave such thoughtful reviews. Thank you my friend. Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome dear Chris!
Best, B

[John the Baptist]

As usual, Chris, you do an excellent job of catching a moment in nature. Rhyming and meter were also splendid. I wonder, though, if there is something else being described here. The last lines reveal the river as a metaphor for physical life itself. All things make a brief appearance, but regardless of splendor, they sink back beneath the waters and are seen no more. In other words, enjoy the show while you can.

[Chris Shaw]

Delighted you saw a metaphor there John. It wasn’t intended, so a bonus. It was just a display of nature at its best. Many thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice review. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Such a lovely write with beautiful expression ;-} nicely done.

[FGFRANKLIN]

I was trying to review your work but your profile reads Forbidden Domain: Error 108 Mine was doing the same thing before my account here was hacked. Be aware going forward. I was forced to change my entire account. I couldn't even access my own writing.

[Weeping willow]

I can't get to my poetry or profile;-

[FGFRANKLIN]

I'm sorry. I got a mail saying the owner of the site Charles Konsor is looking into it and working to resolve the issues here.

[Weeping willow]

I was able to get to my account today, after I contacted them. I'm glad they are trying to resolve the problem ;-}

[FGFRANKLIN]

I came searching for something new to review but read this one again. It's very lovely. I love anything to do with nature.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian for your lovely review.

Chris

[red93]

Ooh this is fantastic Chris and stunningly visual and filmic. These lines are particularly impressive -

Like splintered glass, ten thousand shards
of diamonds glinting in full flight,
which sparkle as they greet the sun.

Well done, Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony. Was wonderful to look at. I slowed it down in my mind. An older poem out for a breath of spring air.

Chris

[Perdition]

All these tiny things which paralyze the poet...water off a swan, the hum of the light tumbling down from a late hour streetlamp, or that face that stares out from a simple strawberry asking to be eternal, asking to be seen and to the rest it is is so ritual and recognized in the flow of the madness all around. I can see it now as if that first bloom of spring. Chris, I cannot apologize enough for I truly do not know what happened to your wonderful review of my latest which is okay and not okay..for the only thing I can offer is that we had severe thunderstorms and gale winds here ripping through last night...beyond that just a bloop and it was gone which has never happened to me before. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and was midway through my response when, bloop, and then your review was gone..a trillion and one apologies as it has never happened to me before but that sorta makes you the original and what I get for mixing politics and poetry, I suppose..lol Once again loved this tribute to a simple jewel from a not so simple moment from the spray but not for a poet or priestess of that which is normally invisible to most but not for the beguiling in the measures of life in the swan...such a beguiling creature indeed. Be well and thanks as your response was wonderful as appreciated.~

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Joe, thank you for your very kind and uplifting review. Your words are truly appreciated. I have left another review which I hope will behave itself and stay put on the post I called on yesterday. There have been many hiccups on this site over the last week or so, which have been disruptive. Pleased that you enjoyed a few moments in the life of a swan:)

Chris

[Perdition]

"To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wildflower" William Blake ...Thank you Chris and if I am gone you'll know that those fates have come to whisk me away to some other part of heaven...and not by my choosing. I hope these demons or Gremlins get tired of the their taste for poet blood soon. Too many missing that should be here...but hey " Never trust anyone over thirty" Right?..lol. Jack Weinberg, I truly hope these problems get resolved sooner than yesterday already, will have my fingers crossed!!. Thanks!!

[Chris Shaw]

I hope so too. From what I have heard today, there appear to be more gremlins in the system. Take care my friend.

[Stuart Munro]

Beautiful poem ,Chris , I go to lakeside park , and sit and watch the swans , Canadian geese , ducks ,herring , there’s an island in the middle , nature can bring peace within yourself

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stuart. Some wonderful things to view lakeside. You are so right, nature can bring relaxation and peace. Pleased you stopped by today. All the best.

Chris

[willweb]

Another beautiful poem from your pen my friend. I know it's an older piece but like fine wine, that makes it better

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say will. You are a charmer. Thank you so much for stopping by. Hope your Sunday has been a good one so far.

Chris