Derwentwater
The purest blue sharply defines the mountains, cascading down to Derwentwater.
Luxuriating in gentle sunlight.
I am cooled by pure air from the lake.
I see stark rock faces breaking the burgeoning green of May.
Ancient tracks slither, guiding shepherds, fell walkers and even day trippers.
Yet who see’s the shimmering water through dappled leafs.
As the mellow warmth calls out relax.
Whilst geese call their young to hand and idle craft bob at anchor.
Silhouettes of pleasure on steel blue Derwentwater.
At present I am taking a short break on the shores of Derwentwater in the English Lakes. The above poem? was penned yesterday, so it seemed only appropriate to use it for today’s prompt.
This Post Has 61 Comments
I see the watercolour. If I may suggest, I’d be tempted to take out some of the adjectives – particularly burgeoning and mellow – less is often more
What you say is true, but I just fell in love again and could not stop writing.
Fair enough
Dear Michael,
Sage advice from Neil. I did like your poem. You made me want to visit Derwentwater. Glad the prompt worked for you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
Neil’s advise was right, it was a fabulous sunny day when I wrote this piece. When I saw the prompt, I very nearly wrote about slipping under the water, but I did not want to bury the joy of Lakeland retreat.
While I make no claim to know aught of poetry, I enjoyed this, and do not agree with my admittedly more learned friends above.
But please don’t tell Rochelle!
The Lake District poet approved of silent moments, so my silence is given. I am so pleased you liked it as it is. Mike
I thought you had concocted Derwentwater as “the Big Pond” is between you and me in America. Very nice poetry and a great coincidence that you could use it today!
If the big pond was as small as Derwentwater, I would gladly visit the USA weekly for pancakes and maple syrup, at a dinner I knew south of New York.
I want one day to “hop” the pond and see your country. I know my list of places to see will quickly outstrip the time I can spare.
If only we could beam in and out Star Trex fashion.
I can visualise the lakes so clearly, great job 🙂
I really appreciate this comment. Thank you Helen.
A lovely image of the Lakes, Michael. Such a gorgeous place to visit and captured so wonderfully in your poem 🙂
Thank you, Lynn, The Lake District delivers so much for a writer. I had almost forgotten how much.
It’s obviously inspiring you no end! Hope you enjoy the rest if your time there 🙂
It’s hard not to be inspired. I will
🙂
Interestingly I didn’t view this as a poem, just a lush piece of prose. Very calming.
I always struggle with rhythm, be it in poetry or music, but the Lake District is so very lush this week.
I know Derwent water and you’ve done a great job with this. I wouldn’t have said to take out the adjectives, it worked for me as is.
Thank you Mick, The trees here are very lush this year, must be all the rain. But sadly the centre of Cockermouth has suffered so bad from flooding.
This is almost like a song.. so beautiful, and yes I do love the wonder of nature too.
Thank you so very much, Bjorn. I really appreciate your comment. Mike
If you ever want to link up to a poetrysite check out dVerse… 🙂 I think you might find a few familiar faces.
A beautiful poem! 🙂
Thank you so much Josslyn.
You’re welcome! 🙂
This was lovely indeed! Adjective away! (like my turning it into a verb?) You might want to lose the apostrophe on sees, though… 😉
O dear, I must have been a Viking who murdered a scribe, for apostrophes and me don’t go together.
LOL!!!
Beautiful descriptive poem.
Makes me want to go there!
The real credit belongs to nature and Derwentwater. But thank you. Mike
Beautiful scene, makes me wish I was there.
It is great walking county, when nature and age allows.
Gee, that’s nice, Michael. It has a flavor like Carrickfergus or Isle of Innisfree. Very nice. Thank-you! 🙂
Thank you, When I am at Derwentwater, I feel very close to Ireland,
I was planning on returning one day as a seagull and living in Dorset (all those cream teas) but think I’ll change that to a goose on Derwentwater. Loverly!
They are feeding the geese well, made me think about Christmas dinner.
Clearly you love the place! I like ‘ancient tracks slither’.
I do, but these days I also slither very well, on the rare occasions that I venture to try walking in the mountains.
This is beautiful and I too like it just as it is. Reading it gives me a relaxed feeling.
Thank you so much, thank you.
Beautiful imagery, very peaceful and soothing prose-poem!
Thank you very much.
My pleasure!
I enjoyed this very much. The extra adjectives didn’t bother me. It sounds like a beautiful place.
It certainly can be if it’s not to busy.
Lovely. And I’m off to Coniston Water tomorrow.
I am envious. When at Coniston I love to visit Brantwood the former home of John Ruskin. Last time I was there they also had a cafe and some interesting art in the Gallery. Then there is the steam yacht Gondola
I want to re-visit Derwentwater now! Lovely.
You are too kind. May I recommend not visiting Derwentwater till the bank holiday week is over.
Recommendation heartily accepted. 🙂
It sounds like a nice place to visit.
It certainly is, but then there are so many interesting and beautiful places around the world to see.
A wonderful response to this prompt, Michael, and it sounds like paradise! Is that the Lake District? If so, I love it there!
I was staying close to the Lodore Falls over looking Derwentwater, in a slightly quieter part of the Lake District, it was inspiring.
Sounds fantastic. We loved our visit to the Lake District, though we did not get enough time… there is so much to see!
I enjoyed this. It made me feel quite peaceful.
Your poem worked very well in capturing that mix of gentle calm and constant movement that draws us to such places
Beautiful description of the lake and surrounding area, Michael. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne