Lark Ascending

(In praise of Vaughan Williams, Welsh Composer)

a violin plays Vaughan Williams

it's four steel core strings

strung to Welsh perfection

vibrations of high pitched

notes float in spiral movement

as the reed bow sweeps low

then moves slowly upwards

imitating a lark, the messenger

of a brand new morning

rising above roof tops, above spires

higher on spanned feathered wings

avian beauty scaling the heights

ascending in circular flight

in blue sky above verdant green

fields of English countryside

close your weary eyes

transcend closer to the sleeping stars

soaring in new found freedom

far above the problematic earth

far from the troubles of the day

rebirth, there fly i

Reviews

[VelvetPotato]

I love the juxtaposition of the playing of the violin and the bird scaling and soaring the skies. Seems like a comparison with such obvious chemistry, however I've never seen it done before that I can recall. Once again an elegant and positive piece that makes me smile. Music really takes you to another world and frees you of your burdens, if only temporarily.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Velvet. Music is also good for the soul. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the encouragement.

Chris

[Delmar Cooper]

I have always been interested in the trivia that abounds in a body of knowledge; scientific trivia, theological trivia and the tidbits of marginal information that cling to the English language like remoras to the belly of a shark. Your poem brought the collective noun for lark to mind: an exaltation. Like the mutuality of the shark / remora relationship the poet has created a relationship of words through images that link in exaltation music, the flight of birds, the soaring of the human spirit. This is not a trivial effort- it is more a triumph of style.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Delmar, I thank you for your visit and your encouraging review. Best wishes.

Chris

[Savanna Robbins]

I absolutely love this poem! Music and poetry are so similar and I love how you combined their elements

[Betty Hermelee]

I’m comparing the high and low pitches of the violin to the lark, the high and low flight of this lovely bird who sings like a violin.the flight of the Lark takes us to a different place far from the “ The troubles of the day”.....nicely written, end on a high note!
Best, Betty

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Betty for your visit and thoughtful review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re quite welcome😊

[Neville]

........ this has got the lot, well at least it has as far as I am concerned .. funny thing is, I can hear a couple high above the field opposite .. quite unmistakable they are .. tho barely pin pricks to these eyes.

Neville

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Neville and lucky you if you heard a couple of them. I do believe they sing in flight.
read moreThank you Neville and lucky you if you heard a couple of them. I do believe they sing in flight.

Chris

[Neville]

.......... they only sing on the wing at all other times they either whisper, or mumble.
read more
.......... they only sing on the wing at all other times they either whisper, or mumble.

[Stella Armour]

I love this piece of inspiring musicand how well you have transported us into the tranquility it brings ..

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you so much Stella. One of my favourite classical pieces. Perfect relaxation.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

wow Chris I don't know how I missed this one! your transition between sound and image is perfection in this write and the message is downright beautiful a perfect poem for these times dear Chris we all need a little hope injection these days and yours is sublimely Chris Anne Shaw!

[Christine Anne Shaw]

What a lovely review Bunny. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - your poem sings a song of hope, leaving behind despair. You remind me, I haven't paused for quite a while to listen to the music of Vaughan Williams. Thank you, Chris.

Take care of yourself - Dave

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Dave. Enjoy Ralph Vaughan Williams. Wonderful composer. All the very best.

Chris

[Gee]

How nice it would be to take flight, to soar above this nuts world, to escape if only briefly.
Beautifully written Christine
Hope you are all well...I'm going stir crazy :))

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Dear Gee, I think we are all a little stir crazy at the moment. Trying our best to stay grounded but flying with the lark helps:)) Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Music is so uplifting of the spirit. Nicely written Chris, you are so disciplined in writing whereas I am wayward lol.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. Not as disciplined with writing as you think. We all have our own way. Many thanks for the visit.

Chris