In Sepia Tones

(Great grandparents Lily and George)

From their ancestral blood I come,

their portrait stares straight back at me.

They stand enrobed in finest dress,

a picture of solemnity.

A moment captured for all time,

the day they joined as man and wife,

her arm through his, slim fingers linked

as they prepared to make a life.

His three piece suit, a watch and chain,

the lens portrays the married pair.

Her eyes flash steel, a wide brimmed hat,

a subtle hint of long dark hair.

Then at the fore a satin bow,

embellished with a floral spray,

a matching corsage on her coat,

a keepsake for their wedding day.

The coldness of insipid tones 

belie the warmth of their shared bed,

as thirteen children were conceived

and all were loved and daily fed.

While he a soldier fought abroad,

she ruled the roost and cracked the whip,

he made his way home when he could,

his leave of passage by troop ship.

Their years were tough and money short,

she rented rooms to earn a crust.

Three children died, three went to war,

their faith was strong, they shared a trust.

Accounts of where and how they lived

in public records have been traced,

these are no strangers,they are kin

and ones whom I'd be proud to face.

Now if the state of play reversed

and souls departed could return

to filter through a photograph,

I'm sure they'd think we've much to learn.

White goods have helped to cut down work,

with central heating far less toil,

more food, more clothes and better health,

no doubt they'd think we've all been spoiled.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Well-done dear Chris! You have captured the inner essence of your grandparents in those stoic sepia photographs so vividly. Each generation back is that much more brave I think. They were made of stronger stuff than we. And all those children- how did those women survive that and struggle as hard as they did? You so skillfully describe the daunting of the day-to-day for them. They were giants. Your perfect poem is a great and fitting tribute, and needed reminder, of this.

[Chris Shaw]

Life must have been so very hard for them Annette. They were giants indeed. Thank you so much for reviewing. All good wishes.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You indeed take that photograph and not only give it life but colour too. A lovely tribute in traditional verse to your grandparents Chris.

[Dave]

It is so nice to see how brilliantly you portray the love and life of your forebears. How difficult it must have been to raise a family at that time. The strength of the mother to endure all the trials and tribulations of rearing such a large clan of children. Surely they were unrecognized heroes of their day. Thank you for sharing.

Take care - Dave

[AYVID N]

This poem is amazing and awesome and more! You are so fortunate that family history can be traced readily from public records, Chris. I don't know anyone beyond my great grand parents. You take me back there, through that sepia-toned photograph, to that beautiful time, a time I hope will always exits somewhere in another realm. I'm very sentimental about old times. Thank you for sharing such beauty.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. I have been able to find out a great deal about my family going back over the years. It is fascinating. Only last weekend, I found out some more. Currently penning another poem about Winnie my great aunt who died at 17. Found photographs and a bundle of letters. Thank you so much for your visits. I always enjoy what you have to say.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

I can see the sepia coloured image so well, and all the ladies did wear those big hats and bows, they are an image of other times when life was hard but yet easier than their parents had known, and so maybe they thought they were not too badly off. So many families cramped into one house, the dreadful diseases they suffered and yet families supported each other in a way not seen today.
Like you my family lived in a big city where poverty was rife and the family or wedding photo would be a very special possession with pride of place on the wall or mantle shelf. Maybe the agricultural families had more food, and less pollution but times were hard and we have lost a lot of the strength of character they had .... those wonderful sepia photos hold so many forgotten or untold stories...

[Chris Shaw]

You have summed up so well Stella, the way they used to live, and yes they had strength of character. The clothes were beautiful, but they were for Sunday best only or weddings. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Corset]

without a doubt they would think us all soft and daft, wonderful poetry of one family life's portrayal, I can't even imagine how they kept food for so long, they knew the secrets of survival that we don't or did and forgotten, somehow they made us out of dirt and rock with only the cattle to help them, livestock if they were lucky.

[Chris Shaw]

I think you are right Corset, they would certainly think us soft :) They made a little go a long way and they did have the art of survival. many thanks for your visit. Most appreciated. Nice to see you here.

Chris

[kentuck14]

I too have written poems based on family snaps . . . great fun to image what life was like for my ancestors who came to the 'new world' from Norfolk, England in 1795. He surveyed for one Joseph Priestly and earned a wilderness spot in Pennsylvania. Of course . . . no photos to ponder, but only in my imagination. Good poem by the way. Thanks for sharing your history.

Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for sharing your story Tom. I am fascinated by the lives my ancestors led. I have been doing some research and have some photographs as well. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Chris. The people who survived wars and hard times. Must believe we have it very easy.

more food, more clothes and better health,
no doubt they'd think we've all been spoiled.

Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote, thank you for your response. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Lorry]

True, very true Chris. The thought of thirteen kids to feed, clothe and care for is mind boggling, and on a soldiers wage cant have been easy. Neither could being away on duty, missing out on all the fun and chaos of home life. But I expect the number of kids may have been higher if he was there more) :)
These days, if it doesnt have an app, it is too much work. Whether we have evolved or de-evolved I don't know, but it doesnt really feel like a step forward, does it?
Wonderful imagery of the lives and love captured in a frame. But im left wondering if it is sexist to say "poor bloody woman" :)

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lorry. You were missed and it's good to see you back. I'm inclined to agree, but mind you I may have kept my legs closed more :) Tough times, tough days and when I think of the throw away society we have become. Nothing back then was thrown away. Clothes were mended, darned and passed down the line. I bet their dustbins didn't need emptying often! Hope all is OK in your probably cold world. It is cold here today. Thank you for checking in.

Chris

[Onlyme]

Wow, Chris this speaks so loudly and proudly. About your grandparents pasts. How life was far from easy for both parents and with war added to the mix too. This could have been anyone of our families. Perfect tribute and must admiration and spirit.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dawn, when I look back and think how hard they had it then, with no welfare as a buffer, it really makes me appreciate what we have today. By comparison we have been spoiled.

Chris

[Onlyme]

I agree totally with you Chris. Dawn.

[Anjeline]

Wonderfully written. This poem reminded me of my grandparents

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Anjeline, pleased to remind you of your grandparents. This photo was actually of my great grandparents so going back to about 1895 when they married. Fascinating to look at those old images.

Chris

[Anjeline]

Indeed it's facinating and lovely to look back, remember them and at the same time also feel amazed by the changes of then and now