Sonning Reach

Without their finery of green,

tall trees in winter stand serene,

beside worn banks where frost sits crisp.

The gift lies in the morning light

which lends itself to water's calm

to mirror glass its majesty.

In perfect stillness, soothing charm

these quiet moments where I walk,

my feet fixed firmly on dry land,

though thoughts meander aimlessly.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

There are places that please the spirit as well as the eyes... memories made, smiling world smiling back your looks of contment and pleasure. Softly put and gently read, than you, Chris.. beautiful words, finely laid. .

' .. my feet fixed firmly on dry land, ' though thoughts meander aimlessly. ' Long live those sweet thoughts, yes?!

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Em, and many thanks for your visit. That is one of the walks where my spirits are truly lifted. Never far from water. And yes, my feet firmly fixed on the ground, but my meandering thoughts are the journey which to my poetry. So, yes I do enjoy those meanderings. Have a lovely day Em. Sending you all good wishes.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Your love for that walk is so understandable, there are special places that are 'always' places, known before we ever saw them. I know places like that. Seems you have so many walks, dreaming in couplets or sonnets so very beautifully. Have your own very happy and lovely day, too, Walk in your thinking if the weather suggests wellies and the like! :)

[syzygy]

Lovely. I'm a sucker for iambs, and boy, do you do them perfectly. And what a great choice of meter for a poem about walking, too, brings the rhythm right through! It's funny, that first rhyme (green/serene) sounds so crystalline I didn't even notice this wasn't a rhyming poem until I read it again.

Downright transcendental. Loved it.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello syzygy, welcome and pleased to meet you. Thank you so much for that very generous review. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Carola]

what great poem theme, painted with such beautiful words chris.
cheerio carola

[Chris Shaw]

How lovely to see you Carol. Thank you for your visit and lovely response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Carola]

just curious is Sonning Reach a place name ?

[Chris Shaw]

Sonning is a village in Berkshire. The river Thames flows through it. The reach, is the view I had of both tow path and river looking upstream on a winter day. Thank you for asking Carola.

Chris

[Carola]

my pleasure! :-)

could you do me a favour & comment on one of my 2 new poems - about flying & plagiarism. you always comment with good observation. thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Have just had an exhilarating flight with you :)

[Carola]

wow that was quick!!

[Onlyme]

You paint a perfect picture of beauty on a cold and crisp day in the heart of England. The peace, stillness and calm of nature and life. As dawn is starting to wake up and the day ahead starts to begin. Made me feel comfort, security and love in this fine piece Chris. Thanks for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dawn. I do like my morning walks in all seasons. Many thank yous. This is a very tranquil place. Allows you to have peace of mind.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Yes, those frosty winter morning walks when everything is monochromatic...that soft grey that we do not often see in Nature...breath rising on the air to blend into the landscape...perfect. There is beauty in the starkness.

A good one, Chris, it's early a.m. now and 8* Fahrenheit...think I'll stay in a bit longer.

[Chris Shaw]

Cold where you are Ted. Thanks for your review. There is as you say incredible beauty in the still, cold and grey days of winter. Each season has its own delights. All good wishes.

Chris

[kentuck14]

Again, Chris, you take us with you on your country walks . . .
Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tom. Pleased you enjoyed the walk. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Winter had her beauty. I went to Lake St. Clair and I took photos. Sun light and water. Beautiful. I enjoyed your words and thoughts dear Chris. Have fun and be safe.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Coyote. Winter does indeed have much beauty. Often stark, but it is there.
read moreMany thank yous Coyote. Winter does indeed have much beauty. Often stark, but it is there.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Chris and you are welcome.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love this one....got me there...geez, Chris, i wonder if after fall trees get embarrassed as they lose their dress....
they probably can't wait for spring's next outfit to don.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Yes naked trees and I am smiling at your thoughts.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Just watch out for Theresa May I say! Or perhaps George Clooney?
Love the depiction of the peace a walk in the English countryside can bring, set in another balanced piece of flowing poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes John, very close proximity to where they both reside. The river views there and the tow path walks very lovely at all times of year. A frequent haunt of mine. Many thanks.

Chris