Martha

A spirit crossed my path as I

breathed in the scent of pearly pinks,

in garden beds of hyacinths >

Her presence lingered, caught my thoughts,

a pause for moments to reflect,

to pay though late my fond respects

and conjure up those early days

on visits guided to a chair.

I'd listen, learn each time I stayed.

How old she seemed, how thin the skin

on hands that poured out lemonade

and played at making paper dolls.

It's strange that drapes once tightly drawn

can part at random to reveal

lost souvenirs that years can steal.

She left as softly as she came,

but not before I called her name.

Reviews

[Neville]

although at first I thought this would be a mourning song .. its not at all .. its a celebration of a series of fond recollections all rolled into one and marks each respectfully with a dignity and poise befitting of Martha herself and the poet recalling her .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

It is a fond recollection Neville and I thank you kindly for calling on Martha. I felt it was time to let her breathe some fresh air. I hope you are having a good day and looking forward to the bank holiday weekend my friend.

Chris

[Neville]

Greeting from a so far, somewhat damp, Somerset .. my pleasure entirely ma'am

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry you haven’t got the sunshine Neville. It is glorious here. I am an optimist too so reckon the sun will shine on you and yours soon :)

[Neville]

so am I so think so too .. maybe :)

[Chris Shaw]

No need for confusion. Martha is my great grandmother and Neville is Neville:) The poem is an old one out for an airing. Sorry you got rain:)

[Ken Simm.]

It is strange but I see this lovely memoir as a piece of music. Don't know why.

[Chris Shaw]

Sometimes I am singing as I write the words. If you enjoyed the musicality here Ken, then that pleases me. All good wishes to you and wrap up warm in this cold weather.

Chris

[AmandaRios]

Lovely. Nothing like a grandmother's love. "on hands that poured out lemonade" I for sure loved the imagery here and felt her presence through your piece. God bless.

[Chris Shaw]

Amanda, I thank you for stopping by and leaving me such a lovely comment. Have a great weekend.
read moreAmanda, I thank you for stopping by and leaving me such a lovely comment. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… Parting is such Sweet Sorrow.. as Shakespeare said… Yes her hands were fragile, but held Eternity… in our 💜 Heart.. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

What a beautiful thought Pat. That will stay with me as does Martha. Many thank yous. Have a lovely weekend.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, this is such an awesome song, where your feelings truly sing and you make my heart feel its emotions from the hearts deepest well. It makes me think of all the family who have gone before me. I can see their faces as I read your gentle words. How can I help but shed a tear at this beauty? A true, poetic gem. Have a wonderful Thursday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you like this older write Mike, which is out for an airing. I have such lovely memories of great grandmother. Martha. She was a real lady and so tiny and fragile. Your review is awesome and has made my day.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, I am glad that you liked the review. This write gave me such a warmth within, although many times I may feel alone I know I never am. An awesome write from an awesome lady. Have a wonderful Thursday. Hugs always....Michael.

[Stella Armour]

A lovely soft write about her Chris, how lucky you are to have memories of that time.
I never knew my grandmothers, and i feel it has left a void somehow that nothing else has filled.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. This poem about Martha was written about my great grandmother. She died when I was eleven but I have clear memories of her. She was tiny. Dressed in black with white collars and always had afternoon tea. A real lady. How sad you never knew your grandparents. I have such fond memories of all mine.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

A poem of gratitude and love. A reflection of love for your grandmother. I like how you framed it gracefully.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed the read Melinda. Thank you fir stopping by.

Chris

[lightsong]

"A spirit crossed my path as I
breathed in the scent of pearly pinks,
in garden beds of hyacinths"

enough to steal my breath, my heart, my spirit... how gorgeous beyond words... all your poem is gorgeous beyond words, I am thinking of my grandmother now... and just I noticed dear Chris, You rarely write about your self but often writing about others, that's how giving, loving and caring You are. bless You my friend ❤️

[Chris Shaw]

Lightsong, thank you for such a warm review. You are so encouraging and I am delighted you stopped by. All best wishes.

Chris

[Tania Mo]

My grandmother was so thin it seemed she just faded away and one day when I was little I didnt find her.Just her things.They said she became a sylph.

[Chris Shaw]

Tania, that is so sad about your Grandmother. It sounds as though you have no memories of her. Glad to share Martha with you. Thank you for reviewing.

Chris

[Tania Mo]

Yes.The memory is with no sound like a silent movie.

[Chris Shaw]

How sad :(

[Ted Kniffen]

A lovely memorial Chris. Good that Martha got an airing.
I was privileged to know my Great Grandmother who lived with my grandparents for a few years. Crazy as it seems, my fondest memory was the day my cousin and I were chasing a mouse around the kitchen and the terrified creature ran up her leg ... she lifted one foot, then the other and the mouse dashed out ... my cousin and I were laughing so hard the mouse made a clean getaway.

Thanks for bringing that memory back ;>}

[Chris Shaw]

Ted, delighted to bring that memory back to you. Thank you for sharing it. I was just as delighted when Martha crossed my path again while I was sweeping up leaves in the garden yesterday. Good to give this poem an airing.

Chris

[T.S. Ulmus]

The third death of a person is when someone last says their name. Until then they exist somewhere with us. For her to visit you in your garden before that time it's the concept for a beautiful poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your thoughtful review TSUlmus. I felt that moment to be incredibly special.

Chris