Like River Grass

behold tall bold river grass
as it sways in a westerly
morning breakfast breeze

moving with overhead cloud
before its flexible backbone
returns to o’clock

while biscuit coloured foxtail
plumes brush the cool dry air
in feather duster tickles

as the whole cycle
repeats like a stuck stylus and
i recall our own species

how we can bend with
wind change to bounce back
after a battering

while some sadly break
to become crushed by
all that’s belligerent

not all are resilient
not all can go with the flow
for even in a lakeside show

casualties of cruelty
inflicted by fickle ways of nature
lie bruised and broken

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

LOL I got a crook in my neck and my legs aren't what they used to be my arms can't reach nearly as high and strong as they used to:( I'm trying to get back upright but you'll forgive me if I can't stand as proud as I once was my dear Chris:) but my heart and my spirit still stand 10 feet high and wrestle with all the nettles along the shoreline:) Lovely lovely lovely lines

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Robert, your review warms me. Thank you so much for your kindness. Take good care of yourself.

[Vol]

Chris,
As a "romantic." I find solace in nature and most of what I refer to as "beauty" is best expressed there. One of the most obvious traits of creation is that it is prolific, mostly because it is mostly mindless. I was watching something the other day that featured big cats on the prowl. There were chases and slaughter as these beautiful animals went for dinner... and the animals they dined on were equally beautiful, and the land where they live is beautiful. The only ugly places are the ones WE make...
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Vol, I share your thoughts. The human species has certainly created much of the wreckage and destruction seen on our planet. Seems that half our world is in constant conflict. The natural world can be a refuge for many but that isn’t without its casualties either. Thanks for finding this older poem, out for a breath of fresh air.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Nature is amazing in so many ways. filled with miracles we overlook. Your poem is a breath of fresh air

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dale. Pleased you stopped by to share your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[RomaJ]

I love the way this poem mirrors the rhythm of nature with the resilience..and fragility..of the human spirit. The imagery of river grass bending yet returning captures both grace and the quiet struggle to endure. Your lines carry tenderness and honesty, reminding us that bending with life’s winds is a gift, yet not all are spared from breaking. A quietly powerful meditation.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Roma for understanding my observations on river grass over breakfast. Nature can teach us many lessons about human behaviour. This is an old poem of mine, out for an airing, pleased you have shared your thoughts.

Chris

[Jansy]

Chris, this flows like the river grass itself.... quietly reverent. How you trace resilience in the natural world and mirror it to human fragility. There’s something both gentle and unforgiving here, a reminder that bending doesn’t always mean breaking, but also that even nature has its casualties.

-James

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you James. I find nature can teach us many lessons. This is an old poem of mine, out for a breath of fresh air and the flick of a duster. Pleased you have added your valued thoughts to my page.

Chris

[kawelavuoto]

Your book really left an impression on me I couldn’t stop thinking about it! I’ve come up with a bunch of ideas that might inspire your next steps. Want to chat? I’m on Discord: shark_playstv

[Neville]

Now aint that the bloomin truth .. so very well poemed our Chris .. Neville 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Aye Neville, there are many cases of broken river grass about, casualties of life. The natural world can teach us powerful lessons. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a good weekend.

Chris 💜

[Andra Dare]

This has the feeling of a parable in a painting that depicts two worlds, the objective and the subjective, both beautiful and sad, both sensible and senseless. Maybe. :) I find myself reflecting on sociological considerations. Some people are stable enough to grow deep roots, and some aren't so fortunate. But I wonder; maybe some humans sans roots, unlike plants, can sail on the wind in a storm, and land on their feet when it's over?

[Chris Shaw]

I thank you Andra for sharing your thoughts. I certainly think there are those people who can surprise us all by surviving the storms when we least expect it. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Ursa major]

"How can we bend with wind change to bounce us back" That line is raw and powerful and I agree with every word in that stanza. Also, I loved the description it defiantly put a detailed picture in my mind! We are all river grass trying to bounce back from life's ups and downs, With nature guiding us through it.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ursa Major for your visit. Pleased you enjoyed my poem and the observations contained in the stanzas. Happy you stopped by.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thought I was on a nature walk at first, then your subject revealed itself as the words bent in the weight of how profound the subject is. Weather it's humans at war or nations, some are fragile and break while others rebound in the flexibility of perseverance and strength. Nice metaphor, good poem = strong reaction. May all of the oppressed be supple enough to stand back up!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Bill. Haven’t seen you around for a while so I appreciate your visit and your thoughts. Have a happy Saturday.

[Montana ~ Arthur Henn]

Your poem is well-written and effectively conveys its message. The imagery of the river grass and foxtail plumes is vivid and evocative, and the contrast between the two plants is used effectively to illustrate the theme of resilience. The poem also has a nice flow and rhythm to it, which enhances its overall impact.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this poem Arthur. Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts. You are appreciated.