A Small Bridge After Rain

[Sparkydashforth]

Thanks Liziep, fine review from you.

Before moving to America I used to reside in the Peak District (a National Park in England).
This poem is just a simple pastiche of a memory. The bridge was a sheep-wash bridge
(one that has enclosures to wash sheep in at one end). It was also a Pack Bridge, built in the
days when pack horses traversed the country bring trade goods to rural parts.


https://www.kingandmcgaw.com/prints/jean...1::media:0


On certain days it can seem that the sheep up on the moors intermingled with the low clouds.
My former house had a small hill behind it and if you approached it at a certain angle
it looked as if cows were grazing on the roof.

I want to keep this poem just an observation, and an impression, but I take your point
about emotional depth and import.

Thanks again.

Hi Sparky! A couple of thoughts for you:

A stone bridge drips a splish
of mossy water.
Yesterday thunderheads drummed the fells;
high moors poured down.
The village leaked a limestone light.
The river pushed swans onto grey slate steps.
Today, trout are back in their pools.
Newly washed sheep graze between the clouds. -- I take this to mean that there's fog?
The small bridge, bounds from grassy sward -- small is a weak adjective
to shingle strand.
I lean over to watch the sky swim beneath, -- likewise with 'lean over' -- it's pretty bland
while like a wet dog, the bridge
rubs itself against my knees. -- this is a great image. Gross and humorous at the same time.

It's a beautiful scene study. I want it to have more emotional depth, but it doesn't need to be more than it is to be lovely. If you want to take it to the next level, it's going to need another element that provides insight or tension.

I'm enjoying your work.