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

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... actually... the last two lines are
a beautiful wish to be granted as an omen of
enlightenment when Angels sing and blue bells ring.
tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, what a gift of a response from you. Thank you so much for your generous spirit. Sending love across the waves.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Dancing in my Dreams with the Nutcracker from the Christmas Ballet… Have you seen the Christmas Movie Prancer.. it has been out for ten years or more… and then there is the Movie The Bishop’s Wife with Loretta Young and Carey Grand who plays an Angel… an “old Movie” but Priceless if you can watch it on your Smart TV. Getting ready for Christmas… I love Blue Lights for the Season. 💗 live across the Waves!!! I have not seen EmmaJoy the Poet for awhile… must look her up on WC. Hope you are Warm and Cimfortable…. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

I will have to look for those two movies Pat. Thank you. I love the Nutcracker ballet. I used to dance to it as a child. Oh, so gracefully. I briefly saw Emma responding to a post the other day. She appeared to be busy from what I can remember. Maybe she will return soon. Hope your Thanksgiving day turned out fine. All the best for you.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Beautiful you really capture our imagination. Like a child at bedtime wondering where the stars have gone.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Cherrie. Pleased you enjoyed reading this poem. All the best.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, I am one of those who loves the moon and stars and your poem has touched me deeply, as all your poetry does. Another outstanding piece of poetic grace. Who would take the stars from a ladies view. You always paint such a strong canvas through such gentle words. Your creativity is always singing. May the moon and stars forever light your way. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Mike, I thank you for your continuing encouragement and leaving me such a lovely review. Hope your Wednesday evening is a good one.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, you are most welcome. My days and nights are always good, for that is how I ever wish them to be. Your beautiful words ever deserve the best review I can give. Your words ever sing. Have a wonderful Friday. Hugs always....Mike.

[John the Baptist]

On one level, this one might refer to an overcast evening, when the heavenly bodies are naturally hidden. I think, however, that the poem refers to an inner state of barrenness, not necessarily depression, but one its close relatives. There is the sense that joy and meaning have disappeared, if only temporarily. We all have these dark stretches, but eventually they pass.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit John and sharing your thoughts about Absent Stars, which is an older write. All the best for Thanksgiving. Have a great day.

Chris

[lightsong]

Aside of your "again" gorgeous natures' expressions and blending to be one with its spirit, I feel here longing... longing for a lost beloved, those starts that spark with our loved ones who passed.... will they linger here after the night is slept? sentimental and gentle words and feelings dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear lightsong for your continued thoughts and encouragement. You are appreciated. Hope your day went well.

Chris

[ABDUL WAHAB]

Beautiful poem Chris. Gazing stars gives an immense pleasure and we all are star gazers. My poem 'Stars'
deals with this topic. Every line has a deep and profound impact on the readers. Nicely penned .Keep it up.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Abdul. Yes, I too am a star gazer. I really appreciate you stopping by to leave a review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[TheJordBaker]

Lovely piece, Chris.

I often look up for the stars when the world feels ugly, and felt I'd relate in reading this- but you've gone so much further and pulled me into a world of great imagery and powerful words.

[Chris Shaw]

So sorry for not acknowledging your kind review. Better late than never. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Mel]

Wow Christine. BEAUTIFUL symbolism. I'm glad there are poets like you on here.

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say Mel. Thank you for the compliment and many thanks for visiting this page. Pleased to meet you.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

This is very nice
Hadn't seen it before
Sounds like you just had another no star night last night so I hope things improve
Quite decent here

[Chris Shaw]

An oldie Dave. Thought it might be good to give it an airing. Last night it rained! Thank you for checking this one out.

Chris