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

[MsJewel]

The sadness in your words touches the heart Chris. Beautiful writing. :) Julie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Julie for stopping by. Good to see you.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

"Well, I've never been to England but I kind of like the Beatles." Three Dog Night.

This reminded me of a dear friend I lost just recently. She lived on the west coast in California so we never got to meet but she was a wonderful friend until the day she died. I'll never forget her. Lovely write. F.

[Chris Shaw]

I don't know anyone who doesn't like the Beatles who are of course from Liverpool where my man comes from:) There are plenty of good things in little old England. Pleased you enjoyed the read and that it reminded you of your dear friend recently departed. I do miss Pandora. She was a petite delight. Thank you for the visits Fabian. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

There's nothing like losing a friend, especially when it's sudden and unexplained, only after so long. There was no fight, but obviously, she had her issues and couldn't explain at the time. Then later on you heard from her with terror on her mind, though later on with much focus you couldn't find her and thought she might have died. I have experienced the same with a friend... we lost touch finally and I don't know if she's alive or dead, very sad indeed. Very heartfelt write Chris.
Best to you,
B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty for your understanding review. We had some good times. I recall them well.
read moreThank you dear Betty for your understanding review. We had some good times. I recall them well.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

The last two lines are ominous, hinting of cemeteries and death. Pandora's ongoing troubles may have eventually made her feel she could not bear them any longer. Depressed people who kill themselves may not really want to die; they just want the pain to cease.

[Chris Shaw]

That what I fear happened to Pandora. She just wanted the pain to stop. Thank you John for stopping by.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

That hurts when all you can do is listen then lose the opportunity to do even that. I liked the scenery you paint at the beginning. The description adds to the eventual loss and now the place is tainted with the memory. I hope you get to write of the friendship renewed someday!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Bill for calling on this old poem which is out for a breath of fresh air. All good wishes.

Chris

[M. J. Smith]

Too often, our friendships are not strong enough to share another's burden. Time and tide sweep us off in different directions. And sadly yes, sometimes across different sides of the veil. Emotions well captured and expressed here. A most vivid write.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous MJS. She was overwhelmed by her own family problems. She couldn't see the wood for the trees. I have wonderful memories of our days out and the fun we shared. She was a gem.

Chris

[Ada]

Nice interplay between historical landmarks and the modern world. You did a nice job of interweaving the two together to comprise a single poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ada for stopping by.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… a haunting poem as it touches my Heart… words can Never Depart. A beautiful Poem like a Hidden Valley where friendships lie but somehow live on through poetry. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

She lives on in my words and in my heart. Thank you dear Pat for stopping by. I hope this new year is a good one for you and yours.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

This is actually somewhat dark.

You write in a more, stable style, than me. With structure. I appreciate that.

Anyway, back to your, somewhat, dark poem... have you ever heard (I'm sure I've mentioned this before) of a song called 'We'll meet again" by a dame named Vera Lynn? When it comes to that kind of music, she's among my three favorites.

[Davidgeo]

Seriously, do it for an old friend. Deb.... and Vera Lynn, "we'll meet again". Even though she kinda hated me, she eventually on the down low became a kind of mentor to me.

[Chris Shaw]

Dame Vera, the forces sweetheart. You have mentioned her before. Thanks for stopping by.

read moreDame Vera, the forces sweetheart. You have mentioned her before. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Josephine New]

Amazing poem. Sorry for your loss. I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for reading. Your stopping by means alot Josephine.

[Lorry]

There is nothing so sad than a memory of what ifs, that can never now be answered. We torture ourselves trying, but end only where we started, only more confused.
Whatever the rhymes and reasons, you have penned beautifully the birth and death of a friend, who will always remain so. Think of the positives. The beautiful and happy memories, just like you start with. We should always be grateful for the time we had.
Such a sad, yet beautiful final verse, which sums up death superbly.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. We had some wonderful times together, much fun and laughter. I'll hold on to those.

Chris