Sky View

(Inspired by a photograph of Vermont in the fall)

let me rise in an envelope
of heated air, a gentle ascent

a passenger in an air balloon
peering over a wicker basket

set to drift in an azure sky
unbroken hue of deepest blue

Vermont's forests spread wide
thick with a mix of rich vibrancy

leaves flutter their lashes
embarrassed petticoats all aflame

a daring medley of vermillion
splashed with green, daubed in gold

while the waters of a silent lake
duplicate all that my eyes could have seen

i may not get to go there
though I wish that I had been

Reviews

[CD Campbell]

This is really nice, beautiful imagery. Seeing through your eyes at a picture, leaves me jealous that I lack the the grace and understanding to see it the same way. I may have to send you pics of some of my extended family so I wont have to view them with such distaste. Lol

[Chris Shaw]

Funny response Great to have you visit my page, thank you.

CD. I have to say I would struggle turning people from a frog into a handsome Prince :)

Chris

[CD Campbell]

It is a really good poem. Sometimes I can get way to serious in a review and thought I would try to be a little light hearted lately. Have a good day, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciated your humour. Have a great day yourself CD.

[Eilis]

What a lovely ekphrastic poem, Chris. If you hadn’t said you’d never been, I would think you were floating in that balloon up above the trees feverishly composing the poem.

What is autumn like there? Are the trees brilliant in the transition? I have always wanted to go to Vermont and experience the shift in seasons there. It feels like a paradise of color in the photos I’ve seen.

Your poem does it justice here. I feel transported. Beautiful details to open the space to all of us. Bravo to you, poet.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Eilis, I have heard much about Vermont in fall, and have seen some wonderful, vibrant photography. Friends especially have sung her praises. This is just a little piece, imagining myself there. A paradise of colour fits Vermont very well, as one season is lost to another. Always good to hear from you.

Chris

[Lorry]

A beautiful scene painted in words, but no mention of the basket creaking and snapping, giving you heart palpitations and trouser emergencies. The scariest thing I've ever tried... And I've eaten haggis pizza and dated Scottish women! 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lorry. I have never been in an air balloon and after your experience I will remove this one from my bucket list. I have to say that I have images of hoards of Scottish women armed to the teeth about to kick your door down :))
Chris

[Lorry]

That only happens in my dreams 😀

[Chris Shaw]

Dream on :)

[Laura Kate]

This is so beautiful and inspiring, your use of colours paints a vivid picture. I have never been up in a hot air balloon but thanks to you I have a wonderful idea what it might be like :)
Laura.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you LauraKate. I've never been up in one either, just using my imagination. After reading Lorry's response, have removed this one from my bucket list :)) Thank you for your continued support. Your thoughts most welcome.

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

Another nice write i love vermillion in vermont. Very vibey. Ive thought of going up in a hot air balloon bucket list perhaps love your way with views and words a talent

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kent. After reading Lorry's response, I am inclined to remove the air balloon from my bucket list. He has tried it, and says it's scary. Very scary by all accounts. Hope all is good and I thank you again for checking in.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Where is Vermont and I'm not so sure I would make a good balloon rider but I can appreciate the beautiful colors of autumn
All beautifully presented

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dave. It is a state in the New England region located in the North East of USA. Famous for its colour in fall. Never been, but my muse sent me there for a ride in a balloon. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[emmajoy]

' while the waters of a silent lake - duplicate all that my eyes could have seen - - i may not get to go there - though I wish that I had been '

Imagination in flight! Each couplet, if that's the correct description.. is a gently coloured miniature describing the emotions and visions one might feel looking down on a world you thought you knew! To hear and feel gusts of wind and gushing heat must be glorious: you've used your skills to take your readers there... up, up, up and away., with superb phrasing. This is super beautiful and lyrical, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Em, would love to say I have experienced it in the flesh. This time I had to make do with a photograph and my imagination. Many thank yous for your lovely review.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I once experienced a New England autumn (though not from a balloon). Your imagery here captures it perfectly. Liked especially the "embarrassed petticoats" line.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit John. Lucky you experiencing the real thing while I have to make do with photographs and imagination :) I very much appreciate your thoughts on my page.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

Chris, though I've never had an air balloon view, you've offered a glimpse here. We have several places in the US known for air balloon festivals. Vermont in autumn is one of the most spectacular places to visit. You trigger the reader's imagination here, and take us on a journey we want to last longer.

If you ever visit the US, New England is a must-visit, and Vermont is a place you'd not soon forget.

[Chris Shaw]

It looks spectacular in the images I have seen and Jacob loves Vermont, so I know it is special. I hope I have done it justice. Always good to read your thoughts Robert. Thank you.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

There are states that look their loveliest at certain times of the year, but I cannot think of one lovelier than Vermont in autumn. To conjure such warmth and inspiration from a photograph is a craft all its own, in which you exude flawlessly.

I can't imagine being up in an air balloon, feeling so close to the sky. What a rush it would be!

[Chris Shaw]

I think it would take courage to find myself in an actual air balloon Kelly, much easier to write about it. I have heard so much about the beauty of Vermont in fall. I just know it must be pretty spectacular. Hope all is good Kelly and thank you for your visit.

Cbris