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Church Walk

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Poem Published: 14th December 2024

Photos by gR / 5th November 2024

there is a place of deep repose where chasing Christmas never goes along a path of fallen leaves where autumn’s warm late beauty breathes - a timeless tranquil silent space that keeps at bay those rats that race and frees the mind from mindless talk so thoughts can wander while hearts walk.

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Marikate Kingston

Date: 5/31/2025 3:41:00 PM

Your poem brought back of a childhood memory. My Uncle John built a path through with the woods when I was 8, carrying an old over used Audubon bird book. We'd sit on an old fence and try to identify the birds we could hear, matching their songs to the book's pictures. I'm over 40 and still remember that secret path in the woods. You're somber poem made me feel at peace by reminding me of that special woodland path.

Gary Radice
Date: 6/1/2025 1:32:00 AM

Hi Marikate. The very fact that my poem brought back a childhood memory for you is, in itself, high praise indeed. Thank you. In the UK we are blessed with 140,000 miles of public footpaths which make up our public rights of way network. There are so many secret paths that take us over farmland and through woods. Great to hear from you. Cheers - Gary

CayCay Jennings

Date: 3/13/2025 3:08:00 PM

What does TFS stand for? Thanks for Sharing? I'm like my friend, Andrea, below - I love this simple, sleek and jotty poem. Did you self-publish? Will I ever know if you answer that question? Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Gary Radice
Date: 3/14/2025 3:13:00 AM

Hi Cay Cay. Yes, I think Andrea’s tfs below in her comment stands for thanks for sharing. :) When it comes to publishing, the only place I’ve ever published any poems is on this platform and its anthologies. I have played around with the idea of self publishing but decided the audience here is so much bigger than for any self published book of mine. :) Where possible I like to keep my poetry easy to read and simple in its form so I’m glad you like the poem. Cheers - Gary

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/6/2025 7:13:00 PM

I love this simple yet sublime poem. TFS.

Gary Radice
Date: 2/6/2025 10:57:00 PM

I've just spent 10 mins trying to figure out what TFS means..and it's just dawned on me LOL! Thanks Andrea :) Cheers - Gary

Brian Sambourne

Date: 1/25/2025 6:59:00 PM

Superb writing, Gary. Your final line is searing. So true of our meandering thoughts often on what consumes the heart. Excellent rhyming as always.Thank you for encouraging me to return to PoetrySoup. Best wishes always, Brian

Gary Radice
Date: 1/26/2025 2:40:00 AM

Hi Brian. First up it’s great to read you back here. Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m so glad you (and others) have mentioned the use of the word heart. Originally the last line was “ so thoughts can wander while we walk.” The heart gives it heart methinks. :) Cheers - Gary

Valsa George

Date: 1/22/2025 9:09:00 PM

Hi Gary, you always write on tranquil scenes, deserted and lonely. Such a place is the one ideal for a church to be situated, away from the din and bustle of teeming life. While walking through such a place, we free the mind from mindless talks, when 'hearts walk' and not the feet. Lovely poem generating vibes of peace. Congratulations, dear friend on your win.

Gary Radice
Date: 1/23/2025 1:21:00 AM

Hi Valsa. Thank you. As much as I love Christmas, the build up to it is something I could do without. I’m not even sure why there is a rush to shop these days as unlike the time I was growing up most of the shops are only shut for a day or two. ..and you are right..I do write about tranquil places…Perhaps more often now than I did..I think that says a lot about me. :) Cheers - Gary

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/21/2025 1:26:00 PM

such a soothing and peaceful poem. Congrats also on your win

Gary Radice
Date: 1/22/2025 12:34:00 AM

Thanks Andrea. I'm in much need of soothing and peace at the moment, what with the way the world is going. Cheers - Gary

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 1/21/2025 8:01:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. What a wonderful write. Great Picture... I enjoyed reading this one. Have a blessed day with your win as you write away..................

Gary Radice
Date: 1/21/2025 8:16:00 AM

Hi Paula. Thanks for your comments. I’m glad you enjoyed the read. Cheers - Gary

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/20/2025 4:58:00 AM

Back with congratulations on your winning work in Brian's contest. Sara K

Gary Radice
Date: 1/20/2025 9:20:00 AM

Thanks Sara. I very rarely enter contests so it was a nice surprise to be placed. Cheers - Gary

Ann Peck

Date: 1/16/2025 1:40:00 PM

Beautiful, Gary. I especially love "along a path of fallen leaves, where autumn's warm late beauty breathes." You have the most endearing way with words! Not all poets have it. Take care, Ann

Gary Radice
Date: 1/16/2025 2:09:00 PM

Thank you Ann. You too have the most endearing way with words and they're very much appreciated. Cheers - Gary

Jan Allison

Date: 1/11/2025 11:15:00 AM

you painted a superb picture with your wonderful rhyme Gary. We often walk near a church and it is a beautifully tranquil place as is the path by the graveyard. Hugs jan xx

Gary Radice
Date: 1/11/2025 12:24:00 PM

Thanks so much Jan. It seems the older Ann and I get the more Ann and I seek time-out from this mad mad world of ours and tend to do this by taking walks; be it by the sea or by taking public footpaths - anywhere really as long as it’s away from the rat race. :) Cheers - Gary

Terry Flood

Date: 1/10/2025 4:11:00 PM

Thoroughly enjoyed this, Gary. Everyone should have a place such as this, even if it’s an imaginary place for their mind to visit. Terry

Gary Radice
Date: 1/10/2025 10:07:00 PM

Thanks Terry. Yes, everyone needs a 'Church Walk' in their lives with the time to 'go there.’ It can be a real physical place or a state of mind. Cheers - Gary

Janice Canerdy

Date: 1/9/2025 6:05:00 AM

Gary, your concise, descriptive poem paints such a lovely scene. I REALLY love this! Janice

Gary Radice
Date: 1/9/2025 7:07:00 AM

Thank you Janice. I appreciate your visit and lovely comments and very happy that you like it. Cheers - Gary

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 1/6/2025 6:13:00 PM

A lovely, peaceful tranquil walk your words describe Gary, and the pictures too, there’s no place as calming as a church or the path that leads one there… Beryl

Gary Radice
Date: 1/6/2025 11:05:00 PM

Thanks Beryl. It maybe me just getting older but I honestly believe the world needs to slow down. My philosophy on life is therefore "Walk. Don't run." :) Cheers - Gary

Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 1/5/2025 3:33:00 PM

Oh, this is beautiful Gary. I love it so much. It is a fave for me. Happy New Year, thank you for sharing this treasure with us!

Gary Radice
Date: 1/5/2025 10:49:00 PM

Great to read you back at The Soup Bj and thank you so much for the fav. I've mentioned below in comments that I had planned to only have this poem up over the Christmas period and then pull it. I've decided now to keep it up because of lovely comments such as your own. :) Happy New Year! Cheers - Gary

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/5/2025 3:14:00 PM

Ahhh!! I like the poem and the idea of a walk such as this at a church yard. Thanks for sharing it with us. Sara K

Gary Radice
Date: 1/5/2025 10:40:00 PM

Thank you Sara. The Church Walk path (pictured) is actually situated opposite a church and churchyard. Many footpaths and rights of way in UK date back many many years and originally connected parish churches to outlying settlements in the form of short cuts to make it easier for people without horse transportation to attend church without having to walk the long way round on the roads. Cheers - Gary

Susan Ashley

Date: 1/3/2025 6:07:00 PM

Dear Gary, you know I am very fond of this poetic gem. I was delighted to enjoy this "Church Walk" with you once again. Your couplets bring this lovely place to life for me. The power of your pen knows no bounds :) I'm honored to share the podium with you, my poet friend. Congratulations for your success in Brian's contest. Warmest wishes for a happy 2025.. ~Susan

Gary Radice
Date: 1/4/2025 6:58:00 AM

Thanks again Susan. All the best. Cheers - Gary

Beata Agustin

Date: 12/31/2024 2:30:00 AM

Wow! Congrats. Thanks for sharing this. May God bless you with a prosperous New Year.

Gary Radice
Date: 12/31/2024 2:49:00 AM

My pleasure Beata and all the very best. Cheers - Gary

Paul Callus

Date: 12/23/2024 7:50:00 AM

The tranquility of this place is reflected in your words, Gary...a feeling that time stands still and solitude becomes the perfect companion. Regards // paul

Gary Radice
Date: 12/23/2024 11:46:00 AM

Thanks Paul. TBH I had in mind that this poem was just going to be a temporary poem - up on Poetry Soup for a week or so over the Christmas period and then pulled. Positive, encouraging comments such as yours - and those before it - have changed my mind. It's staying up. :) Thanks again. All the best! Cheers - Gary

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 12/23/2024 4:41:00 AM

i love this little eight liner :) i really like your style of writing, even though it's so different to mine..every time i read your work i'm reminded of john betjeman, which isn't too shabby considering he was poet laureate lol

Gary Radice
Date: 12/23/2024 6:05:00 AM

Thanks Charlotte. Your lovely compliment about Betjeman had me Googling him some more: Wrote mainly in rhyme - check, a poet of nostalgia - check, Wrote poems about trains - check, Been to Slough and didn't like it too much - check, keen eye for detail - I like to think so, so check, use of satire - sometimes..half check, very famous poet - ch.. nah. .. I can dream Charlotte. Thanks though :) Cheers - Gary

Paige Hind

Date: 12/22/2024 5:42:00 PM

Lovely couplets - the picture was really pretty too

Gary Radice
Date: 12/22/2024 10:16:00 PM

Thank you Paige. I thought I'd keep things nice and simple for this poem. The photos and poem were a spur of the moment thing. Cheers - Gary

Duke Beaufort

Date: 12/22/2024 5:36:00 PM

Gary, a very pleasing description of a pleasant place for reflection and thought. It's very nice to have some time for the mind to wander. A real luxury that money doesn't buy! Smiles!

Gary Radice
Date: 12/22/2024 10:11:00 PM

Thanks Duke. Agreed, it's good to have a place to allow the mind to wander. Although Church Walk is a real place that allows such, I like the idea that we all have our own 'Church Walks' where the mind finds that hallowed time and space. I guess that 'Church Walk' could be described as more a state of mind in that respect. All the best. Cheers - Gary

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 12/18/2024 9:30:00 PM

I enjoyed these thoughts. I enjoy a few quiet moments throughout the day.

Gary Radice
Date: 12/18/2024 11:21:00 PM

So do I Hilda. I just wish I could have more of them but the world appears to have had its volume turned up over the last few years. Thanks so much for your valued visit and comments. Cheers - Gary

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/17/2024 6:01:00 PM

Dear Gary, I am enraptured by the lilting rhythm of your rhyming couplets. You've captured the serene beauty of the Church Walk with your golden pen finesse. Your last couplet such a perfect pensive pearl. Splendid poetry! Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Gary Radice
Date: 12/17/2024 11:42:00 PM

Thank you Susan. Your lovely words are very much appreciated. Church Walk is a place and space where many ideas for my poems have taken root. Walking helps me to do that. Thanks again. Cheers - Gary

Sam Kauffman

Date: 12/16/2024 11:12:00 AM

Thank you for this walk through serenity, Gary, especially at this over the top hectic time of year! I love the way you notice "church walks," "kissing gates," seaside inns, train stations, etc.. Your keen observation of the world makes me look for flowers in the sidewalk or tomato plants growing through cracks on freeway exit ramps! I always look forward to reading your work and have missed you over the last few months! Welcome back. Blessings to you as we raise a cup of cheer!

Gary Radice
Date: 12/16/2024 12:14:00 PM

Thanks Sam for your lovely comments. Sir Andrew Motion (UK Poet Laureate 1999 - 2009) offered tips for poets in an article I once read many moons ago. One of his tips was to: "..honour the miraculousness of the ordinary." He went on to say: "What we very badly need to remember is that the things right under our noses are extraordinary, fascinating, irreplaceable, profound and just kind of marvellous." He was so right! :) Cheers - Gary

Ann Peck

Date: 12/15/2024 7:12:00 PM

I love a timeless tranquil silent space. The photos show that space perfectly. Take care in this boisterous world!!

Gary Radice
Date: 12/15/2024 11:51:00 PM

I will Ann..or at least I'll try. :) All the very best. Cheers - Gary