Up to the Hoar Frost

Gold cherry

By Rhiannonw

Sat, 02 Dec 2023
  • 1177 reads
21 comments
 

The sun is shining, hardly a cloud in the big blue sky.
Drive up the steep hill from Church Stretton,
(a bit icy, careful – precipice to the right,
deep Carding Mill valley);
bright humpy hills the other side.
On the top out into the freezing cold –
invigorating!!
gingery bracken slopes in the sunshine ahead,
but here walk through the white ‘flowers’ on the dead ferns,
and whinberry and heather so bedecked;
and reed stems clad with sharp white needles.
Grey-scale layers of hills eastward,
with shaping-shadows,
and the valleys misty, mysterious, atmospheric.
No-one but us as we crunch around, except on the horizon,
and two passing on the road when we regain the car and have a quick snack.
Then drive down, but instead of returning on the steep frosty way,
drive towards Ratling Hope (what a name – we didn’t find it!)
with fainter views of the westward Welsh hills
and beech trees’ bright afternoon black shadows along the roadside.

 

Certificate U
Poem
Countryside explorations
Nature
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by Rhymes And Reasons on

'The Welsh countryside sounds beautiful even in winter.' Lovely Poetry! smiley

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jacques. This isn't quite in Wales, border-land! But interestingly, the hills are called 'The long Mynd' and the Welsh word for mountain is Mynydd (the first 'y' is pronounced 'uh' and the second a short 'i' as in 'in'), so there must have been plenty of Welsh influence around there! Hoar frost is very beautiful, and icy weather often gives clear far views! You have wonderful scenery around you I gather. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

It sounds like your current weather is much like outs.  But I am staying indoors.  I always enjoy travelling around your area with you and the pictures.

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jean. It is much colder and slightly foggy today. This was a very special time to be able to get out and such beautiful weather to enhance the sights! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Turlough on

It's good to get out on a chilly day and it's good of you to share the experience in a poem.

Turlough

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Glad to be able to make a record, and share! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Thank you for letting me come along with you on your chilly but very beautiful trip!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you! We weren't actually out in it very long, but thorougly enjoyed it. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Cherries appreciated, thank you. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Walking with Rhiannon in one of her beautiful poems is always a delight. That's why her latest work is Pick of the Day! Please do share if you enjoy it too

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Oh, thanks! Glad that others can share our lovely bit of cold weather's beauties! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Loved this one, Rhiannon! So many fabulous descriptions!
"and reed stems clad with sharp white needles.
Grey-scale layers of hills eastward,
with shaping-shadows" this is WONDERFUL! And "crunch around" told me exactly what the grass was like.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed those and could 'feel' the place and views. It was a delight. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by D G Moody on

I loved this; the way you evoke the lanscape through your descriptive language - I could feel how invigorating it was!

Dougie Moody

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you! Yes, it was so good. I've been more confined these days, and the weather was just right for the scenery and invigoration! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Ed Crane on

My dog loves digging her nose into piles of frozen leaves and the crunch they make as we walk through them.

Snow predicted here today, but it won't stay very long I think.

very atmospheric piece Rhia.

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you. I know you appreciate the feel of such places taking the dog out regularly. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

"... gingery bracken slopes.."

Another enjoyable walk with you, Rhiannon. You bring the whole thing to life with your words. Very lovely. Paul :) 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Paul. That's nice to know! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Will hold special memories for you and your husband Rhiannon. You certainly took me as a reader for a wonderful trip out. A very enjoyable poem indeed.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jenny. Glad you could share! Rhiannon