A Show of Flowers

(a requiem for a friend) Hampton Court Flower Show

My Greek Pandora

I last saw her

at the palace in Hampton Court.

Thoughtfully she brought

a wicker basket, brimful of

delicacies, home baked.

With friends we picnicked

on the bank of the Thames.

Balmy scent of flowers

sweetening those evening hours

in July's sultry heat.

Not a care in the world,

I remember our chat.

Her black cotton hat framing

Hellenic features and olive skin.

Fingernails fabulously red.

Our friendship

fizzled out like a firework

with a damp fuse.

No shouting scenes,

we fell apart, a garment

split at the seams.

I dream of her and understand

her burdens got out of hand.

Phone calls lessened, texts stopped,

she dropped all contact.

That final call, tearful and sad,

family feuds gave bad vibes.

She distraught, caught in a web of pain

told me she'd been a lousy friend.

Not so said I.

Again and again, I've tried

but the number's dead

and that haunting voice in my head

speaks to me continually,

chipping away on marble stone,

telling me she's gone.

Reviews

[Neville]

the parallels between us are uncanny our Chris .. the relationship between me & Helen C are outstandingly similar .. until last year, she was always around, so much so in fact that my whole family began to think she was stalking me .. I have undertaken some research and must now conclude she is no more .. a difficult sadness and one that is sure to linger ........... Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Yes she lingers Neville, like your Helen C. How strange we should have such a similar experience. It is a sadness which is difficult. I miss her still. Thank you for sharing that with me and for gracing my page. I hope this Friday has been kind to you.

Chris

[softlyfall]

Ghosting is quite cruel since the implication is suicide. Suicide is quite cruel, as it is the ultimate ghosting.
I hope it was cathartic to transform your confusion and compassion into beautiful poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Amy. Yes it was cathartic to write of her. Such a sad thing to happen. She was a lovely friend. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Very touching and deeply moving dear poet and friend. You kept the door open and that shows your true, forgiving heart. You kept it civil and that shows your true manners. You kept it close and that shows your true caring soul.
This brings tears to eyes. Consider us your true, loving friends. You have our best interest for you.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sami, you have a beautiful caring soul. I was greatly moved by your response. Thank you.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You are welcome.

[keith]

a lament so deserving of your friendship and weakened interactions
we should all be so fortunate ... thank you

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you ABG. A loss she is to me. We did share some great times, so I focus on those now. Appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

So well written Chris, in an engaging, descriptive story telling style. The last stanza was just perfect. A sad but a little gem.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Andrew. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Amber Stone]

such a lovely poem, ...exquisite images.
thanks Chris, for sharing this.
sincerely, a soul sister,
Amber

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Amber for stopping by and gifting a lovely review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh my....this one hits home for me. When friends sort of disappear without a trace, it leaves a hole in the heart. I could picture you and your friend sitting new the water's edge and confiding in one another. I am sorry your friend had problems....but sorrier still that you do not know how to contact her now. Very sad indeed. Your poem is honest and the emotions raw. Lydi***

[Chris Shaw]

She is a loss to me Lydi**. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. Always good to have you stop by.

Chris

[Katarzyna Anna Koziorow..]

Something beautiful and amazing. You aptly name beautiful feelings.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you Katarzyna. I appreciate the lovely review you left me. Thaynks for stopping by.

Chris

[sonnie ibadah]

The way your words paint a picture in this piece is touching. The bitter-sweet beginning and the haunting end come together so beautifully.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you sonnie. Such a sad loss she is. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Lisasview]

LOVE this wonderful poem Chris..
Flows really well..with a beginning, middle and end..
As I am New to submitting poetry..with no education in that department..would you mind telling me what type of poetry this is..
I see some rhyme here and there..
Thank you,
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lisa, thank you so much for your encouraging review. When I first started writing poetry, it was classical style and always rhyme and meter. I concentrated hard to get the flow right. Then I experimented with free verse but missed the rhyme. I then started to use a mix of internal rhyme and some end rhyme. I guess you could say I have evolved. I've got my own style, but I don't know if it's got a name:) Every now and then I revert back to how I started off. That's the way my muse works. Hope you will post some more poetry soon. I like what I have read of yours so far.

Chris

[Lisasview]

You are such a doll..Thank you..
I am working on the poem I wrote Hand in Hand..
Not happy with the ending..

I was told that Hand in Hand is actually a Sonnet and that the first 8 line are of perfect meter.. ( I wrote it with no idea of meters, etc.)
I do have other poems which I plan to put on..
Right now I am dealing with COVID..hate feeling sick..

[Chris Shaw]

Oh so sorry to hear you have the virus. Speedy recovery to you. Sonnets are difficult to master. You have to hear the drum beat. I have tried a few but I am no expert and couldn't tell you whether all the emphasis is in the right places. Richard is the expert when it comes to sonnets. I am so looking forward to reading more from you. In the meantime, get the rest you need and build yourself back to full strength Lisa. Good to chat to you

[Lisasview]

Thank you!!
I love England
My mother was born in Manchester
I have loads of relatives all over England.
Wish we could visit them now that we live in Spain (as of a year or so ago)
Lived in California for most of my life..
Not sure why I am telling you all this
Probably because I want to connect.

[Chris Shaw]

I'll pm you later when I have more time.:)

[Richard🖌]

Chris, this gorgeously rendered piece is in Freestyle form.
Check out my blog: https://www.writerscafe.org/RichardJ/blogs/ON-FREE-VERSE-%26-FREESTYLE-POETRY/130490/

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Richard. Advice thankfully received. Will check out your link. Pleased you liked the piece. Belated happy new year to you :)

[Richard🖌]

To thee as-well, Dear Chris 🌿