The lark at dawn !

Early to bed early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise !

An early rise with the lark at dawn, 
to greet a rapturous, fine summer morn, 
leaving behind my humble abode, 
through fields of lavender, I eagerly strode
as I raised my head and gazed aloft, 
to view a sky of blue behind clouds, cotton soft,
I closed my eyes and inhaled deep, 
vitality filled my lungs, while others sleep!

Pleasant aromas then infused,
with the lark's shrill song, my senses enthused, 
erasing each and every folly e'er I knew, 
all rendered hence a pleasing adieu!
'Twas then my reason to wonder why, 
grown men in slumber, prostrate lie
and never rise with the lark at dawn, 
nor hear its shrill, invigorating, song?

Continuing on my pleasurable, pilgrimage, 
exulted by harmony and redolent fragrance 
to a venue of noted esteem and worthy merit, 
where a game is played with fortifying spirit,
outside, within an open and hallowed ground, 
leather on willow, another summer, sultry sound
And on arrival to sojourn for the day, 
I took my seat just as an eminent voice called out;" Play"!

Author's Note

Just before the commencement of a cricket game an umpire ( referee ) calls out "Play"

Reviews

[Norman T]

The pleasure of an invigorating early morning walk is echoed in the rhythm of this poem, and so many of your "end rhymes" were a delight. I can only hope that the match was being played on a village green, however, as queuing up for a ticket and sitting in a stadium does detract from your rural image .lol.
Loved it, nevertheless, Tom.
Norman

[Tom]

Yes indeed Norman, the match was at a quintessential village green and thank you for your perceptive review !

[Einstein Noodle]

not familiar with cricket; but think i must investigate so as not to be loosing out .. i find myself wanting to settle into a fixed sonnet and meter .. but i am not literate enough to say much about that .. there are so many kinds!! so i think this is a bit of a stretch on one .. i enjoyed the reading very much .. its light hearted and the flavor and turn are uplifting .. seems there is so much more said about darkness and pain :{ .. i enjoyed reading ... i am terrible at rhyme and meter .. so i admire you for this!
E.

[Tom]

Thank you kindly Einsrein N. for your welcome review and yes indeed, I do tend to rhyme & ramble at the same time !

[DIVYA]

"An early rise with the lark at dawn"...Tom, you have added a whole new beauty and meaning to mornings. Not being a morning person myself, I have always regretted missing out on the cool freshnessof a dawn. This you say so well...

"'Twas then my reason to wonder why,
grown men in slumber, prostrate lie
and never rise with the lark at dawn,
nor hear its shrill, invigorating, song?"

And when the day begins with a great game to play, it becomes even better. Much enjoyed!

[Tom]

Thank you Diyva & yes you know me well by now, cricket always seems to squeeze into my writing at some point? Lol....

[DIVYA]

I like that. It's always a pleasure to read your work. :)

[Woody]

what can I say that the others haven't? your word choice is pure delight to read and reread, Tom. and that's a sincere praise.
now, this is poetry!!

[Tom]

Touched indeed Woody, happy to say sometimes it just comes out like that and perhaps this was one of those times ?

[Neville]

A delightful & otherwise magnificently descriptive capturing of a golden moment in time... A moment to savour and to reflect upon, time upon time again... Sadly, I am unable to recall the last time I heard a lark at any time of day......... This write of yours Tom certainly took me back on a very nostalgic journey.. Many thanks, N

[Tom]

Many thanks indeed Neville!

[Sophy Freebirds]

This just took me to the world of romanticism. Made me aware of the nature around me. :) Your diction is great and it flows from one line to the other.The clouds,the lark greeting the morning.You've painted a picture of scenic charm.And all this was interrupted by the call. Duhh! :) Wonderful write.

~Sophy

[Tom]

Thanks again Sophy, yes indeed I always equate the noble game with nature as it brings the two together so much ( IMHO ) ..... And so pleased that you appreciate the atmosphere I tried to create!

[Sophy Freebirds]

You are welcome muchly :)

[Beccy]

'The lark at dawn.' Just one of many reason why a moment wasted is a moment lost forever.

Beccy.

[Tom]

Thank you Beccy and so wisely written!

[Aethereal]

Since your eternal mantra is “cricket“, then the only thing more perfect than this beautiful description of early morning bliss would be if the Meadowlark team was playing aerial cricket with the Red-robin team, and the chipmunks, meadow mice, and rabbits were cheering in the background.

[Tom]

Now that would be perfect paradise and thank you for your interesting, imaginative review !

[Great Aunt Astri]

This was a very pleasing poem ... until cricket crept in!! I should have known. Actually, seriously, I really appreciate you writing about cricket. Those that watch cricket are in a different circle to mine, and I do marvel at them ..... it seems an all consuming interest. I actually love this poem, cricket and all! A very well written poem.

[Tom]

Thank you indeed Great Aunt Astri for your perceptive analysis and my humble apologies for my belated acknowledgments !!

[BlackRose]

WOOOW. Love this. Not a bad way to wake in the rising of the morn to day. Well done. Beautifully written with such heart.

[Tom]

Thank you warmly !

[BlackRose]

Your very welcome. :o)