Slender notes as crisp as frost
cast silver beads across the grass
colour-drained trees old and bare
echo tunes on winter air
Melodies fill the sunless day
where morning shadows long to to play
perched upon a lonely pew
fragile memories form anew
Snippets snatched from days long past
pervade an emptiness that’s vast
remembrances both sweet and dear
proffer us a tender tear.
Written in response to Sadje‘s What do You See #84 photo prompt.
Image credit: Clay Banks @ Unsplash
The image shows an older man sitting on a bench by a park. There is a trolley bag behind him. He is playing a stringed instrument and has a collection bag by his feet.
Thanks to Cassa of Flicker of Thoughts and Spira of inSPIRAation I have learned what the instrument in the photo is. Called a Erhu, it makes a most beautiful sound:
luna's on line 
Oh. I have no words to describe how beautiful this is, Chris. A marvellous take on the prompt. I love it!
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Thanks so much, Shweta!
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You’re very welcome 🙂
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Oh my my! You’ve written such a moving poem Chris! A tear is lurking in my eyes too. Thanks my friend for this beautiful poem.
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Thank you so much, Sadje! The prompt really spoke to me this morning. 🙂
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You’re welcome my friend!
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When I was reading this poem, I could almost sing it with the er hu (the instrument in the photo) playing in the background
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Thanks, Cassa! I wondered what the instrument was. I’ve looked it up now and the sound is beautiful. I shall have to add to the post. 🙂
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You just nailed it beyond description!
The only suitable one would be the notes from the erhu…the last part is just …!👏
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Thanks so much, Nick! The instrument is indeed beautiful. I’m listening now.
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Reblogged this on Keep it alive and commented:
Reblog; First in this week in response to WDYS # 84 from Chris Hall; A beautiful heartfelt poem. Enjoy
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Thanks for sharing, Sadje! You know how appreciate your support.
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It’s a pleasure my friend
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This did bring a slight tear. Great take Chris! The poem is so beautiful! ❤️
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Thanks so much, HS 🙂
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A sublime blend of imagery and emotions. An eloquent weave for the prompt Chris 💜
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Thank you, Radhika! I appreciate your thoughts 🙂
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Gently thoughtful, Chris. Winter brings about reflection.
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Thanks so much, Tom! It’s a chilly one today.
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beautiful
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Thanks, Beth 🙂
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Oh, the Erhu doees make a beautiful sound! And your poem definitely does it justice. Brava!
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Thanks, Liz 🙂 It’s rather pleasing to write to I’ve found.
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You’re welcome, Chris.
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This is a wonderful piece, Chris! The perfect blend of wistful sadness and tender yearning ❤
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Thank you, Tom. So pleased the piece spoke to you. 🙂
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Oh, this made me so emotional…😔😔😔so beautiful Chris
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Thank you, Mich! So kind of you to say 🙂
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Love it! My favorite phrase is “colour drained trees”.
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Thanks, Debra 🙂 By contrast, all the winter shrubs are bright and blooming here now!
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Oh that’s right! 😮
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What an emotional masterpiece! I love this!
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Thanks so much, Mason!
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You’re welcome.
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music to my ears
assuaging fears and tears.
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Hoping so! 🙂
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WOW! That is lovely, Chris. Smiling, smiling…😊😊
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Oh, thank you, Jeff. So happy to have made you smile! 🙂
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You’re welcome, Chris. Indeed you did! 😊😊😊
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This is beautiful, Chris! I loved “perched upon a lonely pew fragile memories form anew.”
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Thanks, Susan! I’m pleased you liked this 🙂
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Pure poetry perfection! and I’d just like to say, Hi Chris, and thanks so much for the follow over at the Precinct, look forward to reading more of your wonderful work. 🙂
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Thanks for your kind comments, Bruce! Likewise 🙂
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Love the gentle touch of the poetry.
Thank you for the name of the instrument. I searched for it but was not able to find one. The music in the video is touching.
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Thanks, Kritika 🙂 If not for Nick and Cassa I wouldn’t have known the instrument either. The sound it makes is mesmerising!
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I played the music you linked and it is indeed mesmerising. Thank you for sharing 🙂
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My pleasure!
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The music is a perfect addition to the words…I have never listened to or heard this instrument played before…Thank you for following CarolCooks 2 🙂
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I hadn’t heard of the erhu either, Carol. A pleasure to have found you!
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A gorgeous melodious poem. Amazing writing Chris 🤩
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Thanks so much, Jude. The weather outside’s inspiring!
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You have amazing surroundings at home. 🥺
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That’s partly why we came to stay here – between the mountains and the ocean.
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😩😩😃😃🤩🤩 it’s sooo goood
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[…] Chris Hall; Winter Song […]
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Sounds so sad but beautiful
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Thanks, Christine. I’m so pleased you liked it.
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Reblogged this on Stine Writing and commented:
The poem along with the music is such a treat!
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Thanks for sharing! I appreciate it. 🙂
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I am enthralled by this poem!
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So pleased you enjoyed it! 🙂
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[…] Winter’s song […]
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Just beautiful Chris. So elegant, and perfect for a frosty morning.
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Thanks, Matthew! It was indeed a chilly morning when I wrote that – 8 degrees centigrade!!! I’ve become very nesh since I moved here 😉
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You blended nature and nurture. Just splendid.
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Thanks, Jules!
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Yet another marvel, Friend! I feel like the musician could be the center of a story, and your poem its start…
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Thanks, Jean 🙂 The sound that instrument makes is amazing. I think his playing could take us anywhere…
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