Absent Stars

And who has swept the stars away

not one remains in sight?

Too eager with their bristle brush

they've cleaned the sky at night.

So all those clustered gems I love

which give me peace of mind,

are huddled in an unknown place

that torchlight can not find.

A canvas stretches end to end

devoid of silver light.

The moon has left, those sparklers gone

will no one hear my plight?

If I should ask or make a wish

or plead for compromise,

will someone spare two tiny stars

and place them in my eyes?

Reviews

[Soren]

Taken literally, I too miss the stars. I remember when young going to the mountains with no outside light and seeing so many stars, now all gone due to light pollution. But figuratively, I feel that the present has taken the stars from our eyes with its form of light pollution. Nicely done Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren. I appreciate the thoughts you have shared here. All the best.

Chris

[Ciara]

We're full of dreams when we're young and they fizzle out over time until (for some of us) we have nothing left to strive for but the end.

[Chris Shaw]

Happy new year Ciara. You have summed that up perfectly. Nothing glam about advancing years.

Chris

[Ciara]

Happy new year to you too, Chris!

[Ken Simm.]

This just fits. The time, the place, our feelings and the truth. Profound and yet enjoyably rythmic for all that.

[Chris Shaw]

Happy new year Ken. Thank you so much for your lovely review. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[JENNY]

City lights swept away almost the stars.
This was the greed of human which haunts him as every minute pass.
Chris you have described the pain in such a wonderful way that it seems to be beautiful tragedy to me. Really liked the thought, once again great work by you.Thanks for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Jenny for your valued thoughts. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[JENNY]

Your most welcome Chris . May you have great day ahead

[Neville]

However hard I try to be original, it makes no sense at all to try and mend something or make it better when it is not broken, or say's it all for you in the first place .. so in this case, I'm most definitely with JD Major

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

I would rather you were with me:)Thank you Neville for being you.

Chris

[Neville]

........... I just found this and am now wearing a very pink and very broad smile :)

[Pete]

so very honest & touching. until the clouds of today are swept away by tomorrow. memorable, touching sentiments. hope springs eternal ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pete for your thoughts. Hope 2023 is kind to you. Wishing you good health and happiness.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Lilting and lovely, your words flow so easily, Chris. Where do the stars go? Are they playing hide and seek? Such a magical quality to your words. You do have stars in your eyes and a penchant for all things whimsical. So lovely. Happy New year, Chris. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

And a huge happy and healthy new year to you and yours Lydi. All best wishes winging their way to you.

Chris

[I'm trying my best okay]

A story of hope lost, none more to be found or to light the dark sky with light.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit Anonymous. Happy new year to you.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

a bittersweet, beautifully crafted poem Chris; very spiritual and clever.... where we all be without our brilliant stars who light up our life our soul? who "give us peace of mind?" it is so interesting how you came up with this thought...that the sky would be completely empty even of the moon... an empty canvas affects our mood swings we need the light... yes we need a wish!!!
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Betty, thank you for your thoughts. May I wish you and yours a wonderful 2023 filled with happiness and laughter.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

And the same to you dear Chris!
Best, B

[JD Major]

Haunting and beautiful, Chris. It speaks to me of illusions-lost in the course of transitioning from youth to adulthood. The stars, once in our eyes are gone, and we spend the rest of our lives trying to get them back.
...But, on the bright-side, at least we're trying, huh? Maybe, that's the key :)
JD

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous JD. I like your thoughts here. Have a very happy and healthy 2023. All the best. read moreMany thank yous JD. I like your thoughts here. Have a very happy and healthy 2023. All the best.

Chris

[Lathen Griffiths]

Such a joy to read as it trips off the tongue and sets off little fireworks of thought from beginning to end. Best wishes.

Lathe

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is so encouraging Lathe. Many than yous for stopping by. All good wishes.

Chris