Off The Beaten Track

Crepuscular, come shafts of dazzling light

which filter streams of gold through island's trees.

Whose conversation shy, somewhat polite

is whispered on the air of late morn breeze.

Beneath the boughs of sturdy English oak

or in between tall grasses growing green,

wild flowers stretch to greet a fickle sky

while busy bees are bumbling for their Queen.

Uplifting are the treasures spring can bring,

caught in this river haven I adore.

Gone are the irksome ills that plague my thoughts,

I praise what nature gifts, I gaze in awe.

At times for peace of mind I need a place

away from madding crowds, an open space.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

Off the beaten track where you chose is immensely beautiful; you images startle me, they are so vivid; the words of spring are certainly uplifting, especially if your mood is down. the glory of nature can certainly free your sadness and allow you to breathe in everything that spring has to offer. Lovely Chris!
Best, B.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this old poem out for an airing Betty. You are always so thoughtful with your reviews and I thank you fir that. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome Chris!

[Fran Marie]

Away from the maddening crowds
Indeed nature is our serene escape
so soothing to commune with day
or night for that peaceful feeling..

nice work Chris

[Chris Shaw]

We all need to escape to somewhere peaceful every now and then. Thank you Fran for checking in.
read moreWe all need to escape to somewhere peaceful every now and then. Thank you Fran for checking in.

Chris

[Dave]

It is wonderful that you present so many beautiful images that make you forget the ills that plague you. On reflection, these can do the same for us as well.
Thank you, Chris. Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. All the best.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I haven't read very much here at the cafe yet, but every single piece I've clicked on has been down & bleak! Except yours! YAY! Good on you for keeping up the high spirits around this place, which are clearly sagging after a long stretch of tough planet these days. Always love that your outlook on life never wavers, despite the chaos that abounds (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

How uplifting is your review. There certainly has been a stretch of tough planet. No need to make it worse. Thanks Margie. So pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[lightsong]

Gorgeous dear Chris! so gorgeous!!! such beauty, serenity, peace, gentleness and healing radiate from your lines, "Whose conversation shy, somewhat polite" and here is were my breath was taken, all was flowing like a breeze song, You are a neat Lady fair and it is felt perfectly in your art.

[lightsong]

of course again my admiration to your title!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Light for stepping by to read this old poem out for an airing. So pleased you enjoyed it.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... I learned the meaning of Crepuscular...
in the twilight hours. We can get lost in Nature and
flowers that fold at night and reopen in the light.
You are gifted with the magic of poetry and kindness.
Prayers ascending for one and all. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat for your warm review. Sending love across the waves. All good wishes to you and yours.

Chris

[Pauline]

A wonderful sonnet you have given us here Chris. Today the sun has deserted us which puts a dampener on the mood, so to come across this wonderful piece when I tuned in was just what the doctor ordered. My son was on the Thames yesterday paddling his own canoe. (Just as well he's a good swimmer as I'm not sure about the canoing.)

Pauline.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pauline for checking on this old poem, out for an airing. We are home now after our adventures on the Thames. Wonderful weather, we were fortunate. All good wishes dear friend. Are you still in France?

Chris

[Pauline]

Hi Chris. Yes, we're still here. Been here about a month and intend to stay until mid October. The weather changed yesterday and thunder belted out its first growl last night and apparently, we're in for it tonight. I guess it's picnics in the car from now on, Aha. Take care my friend.
Pauline.

[Melinda McQueen]

I like this piece. I just come in from being outside. I like being out when the weather is nice. I just may have a poem to write, inspired by my little trip in the yard. I think your poem is something special.
Nicely penned.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Melinda for your encouraging and thoughtful review. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

You're welcome

[Shelley Warner]

I looked up the word "crepuscular" and learned it was about twilight. Such lovely and serene twilight descriptions.

[Chris Shaw]

The light at different times of the day can be so inspiring. Thank you Shelley for stopping by to read about a favourite place of ours.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Glad to do so

[red93]

Very nice Chris, almost a regular 14 line Sonnet, but definitely qualifies as a neo-Sonnet a la Rainer Maria Rilke, one of my personal icons. All in all a Triumph - thanx for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Tony, thank you for your encouragement. An older poem out for an airing. So pleased you enjoyed it. Have a lovely day.

Chris