Near Upper Kinsham

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Fri, 07 Jan 2022
  • 2633 reads
13 comments
 

 (28/12/21)

Out into the soggy countryside
such a thrill
after so long confinement
when somewhat ill.
Feeling the freshness
of air and breeze,
hearing the sound
of full river
and stream tumbling down
through the crowded trees
the suck of the squelch
of boots’ pull and push
in soggy mulch,
mucky mud, then brush
through patch of wet iris leaves,
harsh caws of rook or crow,
a buzzard’s mew
Leave the wood
soft tread, damp turf,
then splash through water-logged grass
clamber up steep slope.
Crowd of snowdrop spears
sharp through shaded dark decay
trek down slithery wood’s leaf litter
by a gully cleft,
a wooden ditch-bridge slide
– sodden boards, sloping, slippery
– hold tight to the side,
out on the lane, back to the car:
so much to appeal  –
amid the silence soft,
fresh things to see, hear and feel,
not far from town, from home.

 

 

Certificate U
Poem
Countryside explorations
Nature
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by Penny4athought on

Lovely walk on a crisp wintry day and fully appreciated, I am sure, after an illness has passed. I was happy to hear you are over it and much enjoyed this stroll over the icy path, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the quiet, frosty wonderland you show to the reader. I’m sure by the end of your walk you were ready for a warm cup of tea...for after reading along, I felt alive but also felt chilled by your vivid wintry descriptions; had to brew a cup of warmth for myself...but it is a lovely poem Rhiannon, you have a way with writing about nature that captivates, and is always a pleasure to read. smiley

Penny4athought

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you so much for all your appreciation, and I'm glad you shared some of the sensations!. I'm still uncertain when I can get out, but it has been a thrill to be able to do so a bit, and so appreciated. I don't think it was really icy that day, but fresh and even that freshness had a lovely feel. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by donignacio on

That sounds like where I live, out side of Seattle! :D Great poem, I love your descriptions! -Michael

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Michael. I know very little about Seattle. Must google a bit! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for the cherries. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

What a highly, visual poem. I was walking with you. A delight. Paul

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you! I was glad to be back describing/recording such a walk also! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

It's lovely to read you're out and about again Rhiannon. Your ramble comes across so poetically refreshing. The photos are glorious too, adding to the enjoyment of the walk.

Very much enjoyed reading.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jenny. Good to be able to share a bit. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Your words are a great description of how the countryside is in January and how invigorating and rewarding a walk in it can be at this time of year after all the festive indulgences.

I particularly liked ...

Crowd of snowdrop spears
sharp through shaded dark decay

A sight that always fills me with optimism as nature comes back to life.

A lovely poem which I really enjoyed reading.

Turlough

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you so much for a thoughtful appreciation. Glad you enjoyed walking the walk. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

So glad you got out into your wild places again! It sounds like it was good excercise, you describe the sound and feel sticky mud really well :0) I liked the snowdrop piece Turlough highlighted, very much. And this is great : "trek down slithery wood’s leaf litter" made me think of so many places I have risked falling down, also   "sodden boards, sloping, slippery" has such a feel of feet sliding out of control - thank goodness there was a handrail! And then "silence soft" is gorgeous, only two words and you have the whole of air

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for giving the piece and walk such thought. You obviously enjoy your messy walks too! Rhiannon