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

[willweb]

I am not familiar with this musician but I am familiar with the person or persons who possess the talents that make us want to write about them. Your poem is a beautiful tribute to someone I am sure was an amazing violinist and every time I read something like this or hear a musician I wonder...how many are as talented but no one has ever heard of them. Loved your poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

A favorite piece of classical violin will, by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It truly is hypnotic and has me ascending with the lark. Good for the soul music. I am touched by your lovely review. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Andrew Nelson Stewart]

I'm a frequent listener to Mozart, Bach or even the Goldberg Variations. My favorite is the unaccompanied cello suites preferably played by Yo Yo Ma. Loved how detailed you are throughout this beautifully penned poem displaying appreciation and deep respects to music. In the line " 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." You get the momentum of emotions as it resembles the performance of a unforgettable orchestra. Keep writing I've certainly enjoyed :) Sincerely your friend in writing and life

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your share about classical music and for your encouraging thoughts about this write. Your visit is very much appreciated. Take care and gave a lovely day.

Chris

[Patricia]

Well done. Pleasing imagery, calming and light, the kind of poetry I find myself reading this time of year. Your poetry is always a pleasure thanks for that

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Patricia for your visit and leaving such a positive review. Take care. All good wishes.read moreThank you Patricia for your visit and leaving such a positive review. Take care. All good wishes.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I agree with AJ . . . UNFORGETTABLE! This is one of your best & also the way you whip up the frenzy of this swirling sensation, more & more as you go along . . . it's truly magical. You've conjured up a physical phenomenon in words like many try & few succeed to this level! Brava! Also a beautiful marriage between bird imagery & the idea of the actual music (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Margie, that is one encouraging review and I thank you for it. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

very nice Chris
First the night's stars, now the verdant countryside!!
Do you have passenger room, things down here are hardly worth staying for
with even the strings on my violin being broken!!..................

[Chris Shaw]

Broken violin strings, that is sad to hear Dave. Pleased you enjoyed this write and I know how much you enjoyed my night sky one as well. Thank you for your continued support. Have a lovely day..

Chris

[Fairy Khan]

Wow! I really want to learn to play a violin, and this has just given my interest new wings.

[Chris Shaw]

Go for it Fairy. Learn to play. Many thanks for dropping by. Take care.

Chris

[Temporal light]

Your pain is as great
No no more
Wine

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit and read.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I have for many years found relief from the problems of everyday life through classical music. This offering shows how it can lift a person "like a lark ascending" away from the struggles and clashes, even in this troubled time. Of Vaughan Williams work, my favorite is the "Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis."

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. The piece you mention is my second favourite of his. You have great taste in classical. Most people haven:t got a clue who Vaughan Williams is :)

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

I am reading the 4rth and 5th verses again and again. Such magic felt as the music becomes a lark rising up the English Countryside. I have never read music being described so enchantingly and this was a really surreal reading experience. Truly, dear Chris, a maestro's music can give us a new lease of life! I am simply awed by this equally divine rendition from your pen! Applause!

[Chris Shaw]

I am so pleased you enjoyed this poem Ditzy. I had been thinking about it for sometime, not sure whether it would work out or not. It truly is a beautiful piece of music that is incredibly relaxing. More treats for you, but remember to get some exercise or your mama will be telling me off :)) ................

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

This is absolutely one of your most unforgettable poems dear Chris! A perfect example of art coming out art. A thing of beauty is a joy forever they say and I add that it just goes on to create more beauty as you did here.
Don’t stop my treats my friend, as my cross-trainer was delivered today and I promise to be a good kitty and use it regularly! I'll work it all off!
😸
💕

[Chris Shaw]

Lol. Pleased I won't be held responsible for kitty Kat increasing in size. Thank you so much for all that praise. You are the kindest Kat as well as the most intelligent one I have ever come across:)

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

I'm walking in air and so happy :)
Thanks dear Chris!

[.]

Music has an ethereal connection with the soul. It can sweep all the weary that clouds our mind. Your poem here is a poetic visual...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sima for leaving this delightful response. All good wishes. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Marina]

This one speaks to me of the power of music to allow us to transcend our little troubled world for just a moment and forget all the woes that we are enduring. I am not familiar with your aforementioned composer, but I do understand the soaring nature that orchestral strings can induce. It's the perfect music for our today's and your poem hits on a very relevant nerve in this covid weary world. I feel such music should be on high rotation. 💛

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Marina. I truly believe music has an important part to play, especially during covid days. Music for all moods, and this little piece is ideal for relaxation. Let's you float away. Wonderful. Many thank yous for your visit.

Chris