Pearl Necklace Legacy

(My Nan's Pearls. I started to wear them in recent years )

My fingers slip through five long strands

of precious pearls held in my hands.

Each perfect sphere both smooth and sleek

is firm when pressed against my cheek.

Each one is graded by its size

and strung on thread to mesmerize.

Such beauty, luminous and pure,

their simple shape has rich allure.

Ten silver clasp springs join to meet,

when draped about my neck sit neat.

She wore her pearls with charm and grace,

felt quite undressed when not in place.

Good taste met elegance and then,

"I'll not be wearing those again".

In widow's weeds all joy had died,

bereft, alone, dissatisfied,

she shed her pearls just like her tears.

Cast off forgotten through the years,

now resurrected decades gone,

her necklace legacy lives on.

Reviews

[George David Hope]

My Grand mother always used to have a string of pearls around her neck and this brought back memories of her (Even looking at her picture in the room now)...my mam didn't want them when she died as she said pearls were unlucky. Thanks for sharing and for the memories

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks George. I know there is a saying that pearls are for tears. Maybe that's what your mam was thinking. I do like pearls, they have a natural elegance and look classy. I don't wear them often, but they do get an airing every now and again. It pleases me when I wear them that my Nan did years before.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story shared. The things left behind gain value with time. I liked the story told in the poetry dear Chris. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are Coyote. Those pearls are so precious to me. Many thanks, Chris.

[Coyote Poetry]

I have my Grandmother's fur coat and hat. Grandpa pay big money for in 1950. Some things become honor things, we love. You are welcome dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

We do indeed place much sentimental value on such items of family history Coyote.

[Relic]

This reminds me of the pearls my Grandmother wore when I was young. How tough it is for a wife to lose her mate. Things that once seemed precious and special no longer mean anything. Great poem, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. The pearls had been a gift from my Grandad, she wore them for him. When he died, there was no further purpose for them. Sad she would think that way, but that's exactly what happened. I appreciate your comments very much.

Chris

[Onlyme]

What a wonderful, endearing, sweet, wholesome, loving poem, Chris. That is great reminders of a loved one. I must admit. My grandmother had one of those pearl necklaces too. Fond memories you shared there. Chris. Thank you for that wonderful reminder.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to remind you of your Grandmother Dawn. Can remember my Nan clearly wearing her pearls, with her permed, short hair and red lipstick.(and her lipstick breath kisses). Thank you

Chris

[Onlyme]

It's a nice memory. So thanks Chris, Your Nan, sounded lovely.

[Chris Shaw]

Both of them were. They lived four doors away from each other. I lived with my maternal Nan for the first eight years of my life and I would flit backwards and forwards between them. Wonderful days, and I got a lot of love, I can tell you.

[Onlyme]

That does sound wonderful, Chris.

[Cherrie Palmer]

...she shed her Pearl's just like her tears... such an elegant line well suited for this moving tribute.
It was truly beautiful

[Chris Shaw]

Your lovely review is truly appreciated Cherrie. Thank you so much.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so moving...you resurrecting the legacy...but sharing how for your grandmother, pearls became a burden to wear rather than an adornment.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, as soon as my Grandad died she discarded them. Gave them to me one day saying I'll never wear these again. I was about 23 and pearls weren't fashionable, but I do wear them now. They are so elegant. Thanks Jacob.

[john l smith]

very nicely presented with mention of meaningful emotion.
In many respects they seem to have faded away.

[Chris Shaw]

They were left in a drawer for years, but I do wear them now. Not as fashionable as they once were but I don't care about changing fashions. Thanks Dave.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Certain objects hold more soul than others. Nicely done

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Lyn for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[kitty]

And there it lies in treasure chest ~ mother's pearls ~ they looked the best! Sweet memories they bring when wearing them were just the thing. I count the memories I now embrace as a 'pearly' tear runs down my face.

[Chris Shaw]

A response in poetic format kitty, so very gratefully received. Touching and totally relatable. Thank you so much

Chris

[kitty]

I cherish my mothers and my Aunties pearl necklaces:
they bring back sad but warm memories time cannot erase.

[Ayvid N]

A beautifully descriptive and rhymed poem on an exquisite heirloom. Petals do symbolise tears and those you cherish have a story to tell too, albeit sad, they reflect the love they have felt along with the sorrow.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. Pearls to me represent both sadness and happiness.

Chris