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

[barleygirl]

I love the way your poem conveys the sadnesses & disappointments that life always brings, but you do not convey any judgment along with the jarring aspects of this friendship. It's all done in acceptance. So many friends fade away thru-out life, but that doesn't take away from bright times we shared. You use great details to give a deep feel for this acquaintance. One of the best lines I've seen in a long while: "Our friendship fizzled out like a firework with a damp fuse" (great alliteration & meaning) *smile* Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. I can"t judge her I haven't walked in her shoes, but I sure miss her.

read moreThank you Margie. I can"t judge her I haven't walked in her shoes, but I sure miss her.

Chris

[Crowley]

Great writing, and a very sad portrait. It is even harder losing a friend when you are not sure why. Even with hardships, it seems like you would be the type of person that would help a friend out. Heavy sigh...you always paint such brilliant pictures, your writing is like café paintings of Paris sometimes.

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say Crowley. Really appreciate your review. Thanks

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and worthwhile words and thoughts shared.
"Not a care in the world,
I remember our chat.
Her black cotton hat framing
Hellenic features and olive skin.
Fingernails fabulously red."
I liked the memories shared in the poetry dear Chris. Memories can be blessings and painful for us. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. I try and focus on the good memories :))

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Me too Chris and you are welcome.

[Ardra]

Sometimes our burden can't become too much and then the silence takes up in all the relations...as long as words flow it's good...the day the words stop....sometimes Life is like that

You have created a wonderful poem..:)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ardra. I am beginning to think sometimes this is just the way it turns out. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Onlyme]

A very moving poem Chris. About the loss of a close friend. Really felt your pain and yearning for her in this piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dee. Yes I do miss her. Appreciate your response.

Chris

[moog-drika]

One of the most common phases in friendship yet distressing to face. This is such a bond where you can have both the extreme best and worst days with your friend. And the way you penned the situation and put life to words with detail, it is absolutely impeccable. Loved it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you moog-drika we certainly had the best and the worst of it. I appreciate your visit very much.

Chris

[Norman 223]

Life moves at such a pace, that friendships can so often become "ships that pass in the night". Influences and pressure of interests, work, and even unexplained jealousy can change concepts, not only of our friends, but also of ourselves..
A moving poem, Chris, that highlights the social pressures that destroy relationships

Norman

[Chris Shaw]

I really appreciate your viewpoint Norman because I am at a loss to understand what happened. You have given me some food for thought. Thank you.

Chris

[Derekv]

Excellent poem, Chris. The loss of a dear friend can be quite painful, a grief that you captured excellently in every line. I think I've said this before, but you have an amazing way with words, and I always enjoy reading your pieces.

Keep up the great work!

-Derekv

[Chris Shaw]

You are so kind with your reviews Derekv. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Derekv]

You're welcome!

[Chris Shaw]

Have a lovely week-end.

Chris

[Derekv]

Thanks, you too :)

[Jimmy Yetts]

Makes me wonder what this woman had done to consider herself a "lousy friend."
In any event, you obviously liked her and miss her; to me, that says a lot about her worth.
Haunting verse, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jimmy. depression plays horrible games with people. It was in her mind. She was a wonderful friend. Thank you for your response.

Chris