Through The Veil

Through The Veil

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

I've been doing much research on my ancestry. A poem addressed to my Great grandfather James

"
I thought of you today
the music was to blame.
You filtered through my soul
and greeted me in pain.
Now after all these years
of never knowing you,
why do you visit me?
I haven't got a clue.

Perhaps you came to say
you died in quiet shame.
Upon an old park bench
your only claim to fame.
It's others that you hurt
through drink you lost it all.
I've tried to understand
believe me I have trawled

Through memories and words
and though we've never met.
I think I understand
but still I can't forget
what Grandma wouldn't say
when asked about her Dad.
She turned the other way
her face was stained and sad.

But older me knows too,
we all have our own flaws.
I've been looking at my own
as well as all of yours.
And who am I to preach,
so when I think of you,
you may be out of reach,
yet love still trickles through.

© 2018 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

This resonates with me Chris, i too trace family trees, and have learned so much about a grandmother i never knew yet have always felt close to.

Things were different and very hard hard in those days and so we know we must not judge.

it is strange how someone who passed on so long ago who we have never been told about can somehow slip into our hearts ..

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Hello Stella, it is strange, but when I find out about them all, I really feel connected. It plays o.. read more
Stella Armour

6 Years Ago

well yes until i traced this grandmother of mine i ddin't know her fist child was out of wedlock the.. read more
Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Terrible lives they led by our standards today.



Reviews

Lovely and rather unique.
Though human beings are thoroughly fallible, they rarely start out to hurt others and disgrace themselves.
An evolved, empathetic and merciful piece of work, Chris.



Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

That is a perfect review Jimmy. Thank you

Chris
It is funny how old age teaches us understanding.
"But older me knows too,
we all have our own flaws.
I've been looking at my own
as well as all of yours"
The above lines. All of shall learn. Thank you Christine for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

I think that with the years come a certain amount of wisdom Coyote. Compassion and understanding hur.. read more
Coyote Poetry

6 Years Ago

I agree Chris and you are welcome.
This is a lovely and reaffirming poem, that says no matter what, family is family and that forgiveness brings with it a peace of mind and the acceptance that we are all flawed in some way or another.

Beccy.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Beccy. How could we possibly we judge them? We have no idea of the hardships they suffered.. read more
Very good Christine. I'Ve been thinking more about my forebears as I've got older and I think it does help you to know who you are. Also looking at how your own children relate to you. The famous quote from Burns 'to see ourselves as others see us ' is of course the main stumbling block in any self analysis.
It is a great topic for writing and I enjoyed yours.
Regards.
Alan

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Alan. I find the whole subject of ancestry very interesting. Our forbears led very hard li.. read more
dear Chris... your poem is very real as many have seen through the veil. Many of us have been hurt by this phenomenon. Even wine from delicious grapes needs to be dipped a bit
only with a meal. truly, Pat

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Hello Pat, if that has happened to you, that is really sad to hear. And I agree that researching you.. read more
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¿
Strange the thing is that a poem can be relatable to so many persons...and the poet stays unknown!
This poem does the same...I've seen many person being puzzled in their life and they totally lose their judging sense in the wave of emotions....
It's really nice of you to share such true parts of life with us!

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Thank you Tahsin for your warm response.

Chris
¿

6 Years Ago

Always welcomed!😊
This resonates with me Chris, i too trace family trees, and have learned so much about a grandmother i never knew yet have always felt close to.

Things were different and very hard hard in those days and so we know we must not judge.

it is strange how someone who passed on so long ago who we have never been told about can somehow slip into our hearts ..

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Hello Stella, it is strange, but when I find out about them all, I really feel connected. It plays o.. read more
Stella Armour

6 Years Ago

well yes until i traced this grandmother of mine i ddin't know her fist child was out of wedlock the.. read more
Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

Terrible lives they led by our standards today.

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Added on June 23, 2018
Last Updated on June 23, 2018

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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