Unwellness in Railway View
(An Addingham poem)
It was not just the flickering ember
that lit the way to one’s damp musty bed
nor sash cord window panes I remember
stamped with willow patterns of frosty shred,
but the vile grotesque shadows that followed
created on walls of chalk distemper
that drove along shivers standing hair on head.
Bereft of childhood in those haunting days
where tiny feet scurried yet feared to tread
on staid stone slabs that lay on earthen floor
caused an array of warped winter ailments
a Wharfedale river cough a throaty caw.
But apparitions they ne’er go away
serves up the moment every single day.
© Harry J Horsman 2021
Categories:
wharfedale, health,
Form: Sonnet
When winter’s end is imminent and springtime soon becoming
blackbird and thrush in noble song bumble bee busily humming.
Scent of air fondles the hazy morning scattered seed cultivates
memoirs of time, to ramble throughout lob wood and hear sweet
bluebells across the valley chime.
sweet song of nature
the sound of the butterfly
harmony at dawn
Hosts of yellow heads briskly swaying hillside meadows in unison
bloom, fussy rodents in jubilant paradise; Street House Farm in
nature’s plume. Pussy willow caresses the embankment; Ridding's
Farm basks in the heat of June, inspired scythe displays ancient skill
fragrant hedgerow sings dawn’s vibrant tune.
tears of dew sparkle
grassy stems in sunlight sway
a whisper of wind
Ocean of radical heather signify welcome waves of moorland mist, deluge of dewy tears fall on this place heavenly kissed. Wooden bench outside the old hay barn, where the sultry breeze in sugar hill dances, orchestrates the old folk with war-torn minds reminisce those given a life of second chances.
for to those this day
a touch upon rustic face
nature’s sweetest voice.
© Harry J Horsman 2019
Categories:
wharfedale, environment, nature, peace,
Form: Haibun
Embracing warped shadows with in crevice crouch
till the morning light liberates the hideous gloom.
Then upon the balmy breeze delirium vouch
dawn’s chorus melodious across the valley zoom.
How fragrant this moment a day born again
when sunbeams frolic within this a craggy place.
Nature comes alive in hillside dale and fen
simple truth abiding to ignite the human race.
© Harry j Horsman 2012
Categories:
wharfedale, nature,
Form: Couplet
I meander through verdant valley
where meadows collide in windswept jade,
hillsides bathe in summer sunshine
and oceans of clouds, commit to shade.
Moorland sheep laze in woolly clusters
creating footpaths upon the hill,
busy hedgerow a rural city
scar of an era, is town head mill.
Vibrant coppice alive with creatures
leafy towers caress morning mist,
sunlight shines on distant window
across the valley, a sapphire twist.
Crag and beacon rise majestic
standing stone a monument to thrall,
sculptured by marauding seasons
an ancient culture’s, rocky stall.
Yet to chance upon misty patterns
softly sketched upon the hill,
I will savour these happy moments
awakening to, a distant trill.
Wharfedale, Yorkshire England
© Harry J Horsman 2001
Categories:
wharfedale, nature,
Form: Rhyme