Footprints Left in Sand or Snow

Far deeper set than those in sand

which mark a path across a bay,

our dearest will not wash away.

As imprints left in dampened grains

soon fade when fickle tide returns

or when the wind sweeps them astray.

On borrowed time, they can not last.

Compare them to the winter snow

which melts when warmth demands it so.

Yet footprints cast within our hearts

cemented smooth with love and pain,

they are the ones that will remain.

You'll see them in another's smile

or in the tears they gently weep.

Who says we go without a trace,

we stay for those whose love runs deep.

Reviews

[Ardra]

So true Chirs... those prints on the heart.... as we keep moving on....they remain ...and reminds us of the tales of smiles and tears....and reminds us to keep making beautiful memories as life is short....to count the smiles ... loved your sweet poem...

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ardra thank you for your kind words and your visit. All good wishes

Chris

[John the Baptist]

A very moving and well rhymed piece here on the topic of impermanence. Footprints in snow or sand are an apt metaphor for this phenomenon, for they are most easily eradicated by time and the elements. The things in our lives that do last lie within us, "cemented smooth with love and pain."

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks JTB. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving your thoughts here. All good wishes.

Chris

[LostSage]

Nice writing! other people will see the footprints and not care. But you know the person who left those footprints which makes them important. have a great day

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for a lovely review. Enjoy your day too. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

Those we hold dear weather near or far were not alone when we keep the love close to heart. Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mauricio for your understanding. All good wishes.

Chris

[Sarah K Cass]

What a lovely poem, Chris. Made me think of my late mum. Love the rhythm.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Amber. If my words brought your mum back for a while, then I am more than happy. Thank you for your lovely review. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Ruth]

To those who have left those prints in the heart, your wonderful writing has honoured them all Chris. As much as there is pain in those prints there is also blessings, only yesterday I was thinking on those I have lost and how much I remember them - some days good - some days bad - beautifully rendered poetry Chris:)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ruth, pleased you enjoyed this poem as much as I enjoyed your review. You are truly appreciated and your visits so welcomed.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

footprints so beautifully laid out in poetic
verse the ones in our hearts do remain
a lifetime a permanent imprint of love
and pain cemented smoothly yes.
.that is so true..lovely poem

[Chris Shaw]

Your reviews Fran and your visits are truly appreciated. Many thank yous always.

Chris

[Laz K.]

This poem is wonderful, deep, meaningful, and it is a great companion piece to one of Longfellow's classic, "A Psalm of Life":

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

However, Longfellow also wrote "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls," and in it expressed a more pessimistic view about the "footprints one leaves behind:
Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;
The little waves, with their soft, white hands,
Efface the footprints in the sands,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

Your poem belongs alongside these classics.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Laz

I am touched by your kind review. Thank you for sharing Longfellow. I am not that familiar with his work, so shall make a point of searching it out.

I really appreciate your in depth review and I am delighted that you like this poem. Be well and have a good weekend.

Chris

[Pete]

so true. the evidence of love cannot be melted or erased - it leaves a lasting impression and the evidence is ever present. very beautiful write chris. almost had me in tears. your caring, touching words have left their mark. none should be afraid to follow such 'footprints' ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Touched by your lovely review Pete. Thank you so much. Hope you are keeping well. Are you still visiting the park every day? Take care.

Chris

[Pete]

very well. thank you for asking. oh yes - the park every day is a necessity, my 'footprints' guide me there and know the willing way - an oasis of truth!
have met quite a few interesting characters there as well. great place to contrive poems too! ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear. Take care:)

[Vertigo Cat1111]

'We stay for those whose love runs deep.' Not only is this a gorgeous, wonderfully structured piece, but it's true and honest too. Everyone leaves their marks, especially in our hearts they never fade. The imagery in this is wonderful too and I love the title, it really wraps up the entire unconditional factor. I hope you're doing well and taking care of yourself. (: Have a wonderful day!

[Chris Shaw]

I am well Colacat, though occupied with other stuff at the moment taking my time. I really appreciate you checking in to read this older poem out for an airing. Be well and take care.

Chris

[Ookpik]

"...our dearest will not wash away..."


This principle is everything, Chris. Even those that seem age old - that transpired, decades ago - leave their marks in the subtlest, and most unpredictable of ways.

They come back, or they'd never left, or they'd left us alone but not abandoned. And yet, still, they are there, and will remain to be there:

'a footprint amidst a forest of spider's webs, for as long as we last.'

A beautiful notion, no?

-Ook

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ook. Yes quite a wonderful motion. I tell my grandchildren stories about my grandparents and great grandparents. I share with them the love I remember. Passing it down the line will keep their memory alive long after their passing. One day there will be no memories left. We will have gone forever.

Chris

[Ookpik]

It's good of you to do, Chris - my Father was raised by his grandmothers, my great grandmothers, and though the memories are fading, their teaching and influence remains.

Some footprints don't rely on memories, but leave their traces upon their inheritors if only in the periphery. I expect the same will be said of me, one day, and I trust that it's enough.

All the best to you,

-Ook