When Words Mean Nothing

When I miss her now, I think of this and know that although it was a long time coming, she got her wish.

I, a so called poet,

who can burn a blank page

with word rage,

can turn a lively sparkling sea

into a calm, soothing balm.

Who can conjure up a sunrise

or sink the sun beyond a horizon

paint words in colour

on a grey wet day

evoke the scent of a rose

in the throes of midwinter

and melt snowflakes in summer heat.

I can convey all this

and yet

when my beloved Mum

elderly and frail,

ailing and sick

tells me she wants to die,

all I can do is sigh

and tell her I love her.

I have no words

that will bring her a crumb

of comfort 

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

Whoa… a Crumb of Comfort… my Mum was a Nutritionist and fed her family lots of Healthy Food. To this day I think of my Mum’s Wisdom.. and yet when the Cancer took over her Liver, she became paralyzed and could not speak clearly. However, the Doctor told us she could clearly understand everything said around her.. so we had to choose our words carefully until she took her last Breath. Chris, your Poem has touched my 💜 Heart. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, thank you for your beautiful review and for sharing your much loved mother with me. Yes I too was told that hearing is the last to go. I was by my brother's side too when he died, along with my sister and sister in law. It's the last thing we can do, knowing they are with their nearest and dearest. Sending love across the pond on a warm afternoon.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

My prayers are with you Chris and with your mother.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ted.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Oh Chris, i near understand that feeling., Can only hug your words close to my heart then, hope and pray you find what you need as strength. Will say more another time and privately, perhaps, if i may. Such beautiful words, so gently put. Love, Em.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Em for your love and understanding.

Chris

[emmajoy]

((((Chris))))

[lightsong]

though I didn't see such an ending coming, BUT I can't thank You enough not only for writing such a masterpiece the least to say about it, but also for speaking to my inner, Your voice to mine... I can't tell You how You've touched me into the depths of my poetic spirit, these days I'm thinking as You do, how words sometimes mean nothing, and I think again and again how I always want something more, how I seem not to be able to convey my true self as I wish to through them, my passions for poetry has been dimming, I don't know if it will last long or not, but it's the first time I feel this way, Your spirit is soaring high and wild here, shine and glow, singing of what a real fine poetess is, her beliefs, dreams and messages to this world, writing what life and love are... all in this special piece of art.

You've done a fascinating superior poem dear Chris, one You must be so proud of as I'm so proud of, one of Your bests with no doubt, I'm grateful that I've found it, and grateful for You even more, now what I hope for is that Your mom is all OK.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Light, don't give up on your poetry. I too have periods where it becomes shy and doesn't want to play. And then when I least expect it, back it comes again. If my words speak to you, then that makes me happy. Your words are full of passion, that won't go away my friend. Thank you for your beautiful response.

Chris

[¿]

You're penning down things that mirrors your heart Chris....like this one!
My prayers for your mother's wellness dear...
The truth you presented in front of us is inevitable....poet's words on pages are powerful though was never more than Almighty's wish and never is...
This one sat on my heart softly....thanks for sharing, Chris....Almighty's grace be upon your mother and you..Ameen :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Tahsin for your sweetness and prayers. So appreciated.

Chris

[¿]

Oops! I had commented on wrong box😮
You're welcome warmly Chris!! :)

[Relic]

Welcome to my world, Chris. I hate it and there's nothing I can do. Since the beginning of the year, it's been one setback after another every month with no let-up. He's mentioned suicide many times but I know it's only when he's upset. I wish the best for...both of us.

[Chris Shaw]

So you are living it too, and that's all we can do, live it to the best of our inadequacy. That's how it makes me feel. Kind regards to you

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

No words, no words. My heart aches for you and your Mom dearest Chris. Memories of my Mom who did not want to live in excruciating pain. As you heart-wrenchingly cry, no words, no poets, can fix this. Nothing can fix this. We can only do our best to listen, to pray, to comfort, to kiss them, to hold them, to suffer with them and hope that peace will come. I have no words to help, but I sincerely send you and your dear Mom all my love, support, hugs and prayers across the miles dear friend. May God bless and comfort you always. Xoxo

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette as you have been in this place yourself, you will know how utterly useless it can make you feel. Thank you so much for your wonderfully supportive response xx

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

My dear Chris, yes I know how terrible it is. Noone can prepare for or imagine how hard it is. Please find oeace in knowing you are doing the very best you can. Your Mom knows you love her and you are with her. I send you both my love and prayers. Xo

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Meant “peace”! Xo

[Jimmy Yetts]

Telling your mother you love her are the right words.
They say, stay here with me, I need you.
May God bless you both with peace and strength.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy for your kind thoughts.

Chris

[1 Deep]

I enjoyed this. Perhaps you could give words about God being with her, and that he is in control, something along those lines, but in these cases its hard to discern a right thing to say. Sometimes it is just best to say nothing. As a side note, there are many times in life when words are basically meaningless, take the divorced couples who have said 'till death do us part' for an example. Thanks.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Deep. I appreciate your kind response.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

This is so so true. There are times when words are completely inadequate.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lyn.