Mud Maid In Winter

A living sculpture in woodland in the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall

mud maid sleeps soundly
lays low in permanent unmoving
her left shoulder and rounded rump
form hills of femininity
exposed to nature’s elements
she slumbers

attired in cold keeping
resting on her side
her sculpted body and head
embrace snow crystals
flakes softly falling
leave light kisses

on ivy’s clinging coat
settling on womanly curves
her eyes will never open
she will never see the seasons
the day finds her clad
in winter coldness

a blanket of thin whiteness
surrounds her
as do naked trees on guard
her army protects her
year on year rain or shine
grounded she remains
in her woodland domain

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

How wonderfully you use descriptive imagery, Chris! I had to look up the Mud Maid so I could see if the mental image you painted was accurate....and of course it was. Trees as guards and ivy as a coat....oh, I really enjoyed this one, Chris. Lydi*

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, so pleased you googled her. She changes with each season. Delighted that you enjoyed this poem. Many thanks for stopping by and leaving your kind thoughts.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

I googled her, the Lost Valley, her enchanting ponds ...
If your beautiful piece doesn't open her eyes, Chris, nothing will :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for googling her Dylan. She changes with each season. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. All the best.

Chris

[LisaCarol]

This was stunning and provided a great visual of the mud maid. Thank you for sharing your writing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much LisaCarol. So pleased you enjoyed this poem. She is a living sculpture who changes with the seasons. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

i love this personification of earth. while in our modern age we feel so detatched from the soil, it is from soil we came and to soil we return. the godess in this work is tired but is resilient - immortal. and we her children will always come back to her, even if we spend much of our lives preoccupied by silly games society expects us to play. but mother earth is calling, we will answer. it is only a matter of time.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ern for your thoughts on Mud Maid, a living sculpture that changes with each season. I appreciate your visit and your share.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

You got this imagery so well Chris. As always your high standard of writing shows. Very nice Chris. A most enjoyable read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew for your encouragement. All good wishes.

Chris

[D. Mansfield]

I really like this poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Danny. Appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

love the imagery Chris. Poem reads like living breathing maid, of mud perhaps, but flesh in the mind of this reader

happy new yr belatedly

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ken a belated HNY to you also. I hope all is good in your world. Thank you for calling on Mud Maid. Yes, she is a living sculpture that changes with the seasons. I wanted to capture her in her winter dress. All good wishes.

Chris

[Pete]

one instance of mud we shouldn't mind slinging. beautifully mysterious and intriguing. one could easily get lost and stuck in her, nicely described.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Re-Pete. She is a living sculpture that changes with the seasons. She fascinated me.
read moreThank you Re-Pete. She is a living sculpture that changes with the seasons. She fascinated me.

Chris

[Starr]

This is such a wonderful and beautiful write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Starr. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. All the best.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

The mention of "ivy’s clinging coat" settling on her womanly curves enhances the sense of her being part of nature, enveloped in its embrace. Her eyes, "never open," signify a perpetual sleep, a timeless presence that transcends the changing seasons. It further explores the theme of protection, with "naked trees on guard" forming her "army" that shields her year-round. This imagery underscores her enduring strength and the unchanging nature of her existence, grounded in her woodland realm. Such a serene blending of elements of nature and femininity with a sense of eternal stillness. A true delight to read, Chris!
Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

Freds, your comprehensive review is so encouraging. Mud maid is a true work of art in the real world. I wanted to capture this living sculpture in winter. She changes with each season. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

Most welcome Chris! 👍🏻🙏🏻🕊
Freds.