River Walk, - Wyleian Sonnet XVIII.
Beneath the weeping willows by the winding waterside
The flowing river muddied by the recent, heavy rains
Intermittently disturbed by rude influx from hillside drains,
The grassy banks, like lawns above the steady flowing tide,
Adorned with native plantings all along the other side,
There, on Centaurus Road, the noisy traffic rushes past
Where silver birches stand with flax and toitoi proud between.
While, on my bank, the willows weep along the sloping green
And trail their wicker tendrils in the river’s muddy cast,
The Heathcote surges seaward to the Estuary at last.
In Waimea Terrace few cars invade the willow-guarded street
Nothing disturbs the current, eels or brown trout in this flow.
Mallard ducks play on the waterway or skim the surface, low,
Landing between the banks with flapping wings and skudding feet;
Where laughing children throw old bread, I find a grateful seat.
Though I have travelled far afield and many places seen,
Few rival the tranquillity of willowed banks so green.
Hugh Wyles, August 9th. 2004
Author notes
Note: This is a further development of the Wyleian Sonnet which is in Iambic Septameter and, in place of the usual three quatrains and couplet of the English Sonnet, consists
of three cinquains and couplet with rhyming scheme: abbaa,cddcc,effee,gg.
Written for and dedicated to Gen.
Thus, as I walk and ponder down these winding river banks,
I think of Susan’s help and love and send her heartfelt thanks.
Written September 24th, 2004
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Comments
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Oh my, this is lovely, Hugh. Your beloved willows were still standing, adding to the beauty of the river walk.
It's fair to call this an extended sonnet; I think the three additional lines are needful and gracefully placed. I like the abbaa rhyme scheme. Thanks for bringing this work to my attention.
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Absolute perfection!
This is just beautiful! Your imagry is incredible. I feel so humble reading this. You are truly a master poet. I loved learning a new rhyming pattern, and with your help, I understood your meter. This piece seems flawless to me, but under your guidance, I feel like an amateur all over again
I particularly liked the last two lines. What a great sonnet! I look forward to reading more of your poems, and adding you to my "favorites" list.
Love, Lori Sue
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Excellent!
Very impressive!
I couldn't begin to compose a sonnet as lovely as this..'twas indeed a pleasure to read! 
GET WELL SOON!
Love and Hugs,
<3 Maureen
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I wasn't wrong of having you on my fave lists. You've really got a powerful mind to create such a wonderful piece. You're versatility encouraged me to have this notion of exploring to such other types of poetry which i still have to search for the pattern and I really wanna to try. Thank you for that very inspiring works!
Edited on Sep 26, 2:12 because ''. -
tranquil
Dear Hugh, Another great write. I wonder if I might find this spot, given the clues you have put within this piece. Lovely imagery, the picture too.
XXOOXX Anne -
This is beautiful Hugh. Id love to accompny you on a walk there someday. As always your poem give me feelings of peace and hope. Love my freind so much, Mary
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Well, I knew that this poem held an immense beauty
The calmness we read on each line is amazing!
I loved this poem, I think this is my favorite from the Wyleian collection so far
Thanks for the very enjoyable read!
Kisses and love,
Mari
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I know that this poem is beautiful, and if it dedicated to Susan then it is even more special.
I'll applaud you poem now, but leave to comment tomorrow when my brain be back at his normal function.
kiise and love,
Mari
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magnificently written
Very beautiful Hugh and is definitely one of your best, if not your very best. You have often described your walks with me and as I have said would like to be walking with you along that river bank, it sounds so tranquil. Magnificent as usual my Friend and a wonderful tribute to Gen.
Love and kisses~Bea
I applaude you.
Edited on Sep 26 because ''. -
Hugh -
I am still very touched by this. I never knew that when I asked you to describe where it is you go on your daily walks that I would get such a lovely poetic response. You realize that you will have to go take this walk again soon when the trees start to green and the flowers come out so we can see spring come to the Heathcote. Maybe next time you can get someone to take your picture leaning against that willow.
I am truly honored by this dedication and the added couplet. You truly are a friend beyond measure.
Your Forever Gen
Edited on Sep 24, 10:00 p.m. because 'brain cramping....'. -
Oh my Gosh! I am incredibly enchanted with this piece! I could never write like this. You are talented. Beautiful poetry...
~*Destiny*~
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