Taking Stock

( To Self)

You need to slow down and take stock.

I'm not ruminating on the cubes you use

in the broccoli and stilton soup on a cold winter's day.

Neither am I referring to those highly scented

flowers that grace your garden beds in summer,

in their shades of purple passion.

And I'm certainly not contemplating the ftse index

even though you have been known to dabble

now and again in the financial markets.

No. I am looking at you and weighing you up,

taking stock of what you've got and what

makes you tick. Looking at the thick and thin of it.

I think there's been more thick than thin lately.

I have to state your butter has been too unevenly spread

and the thread of reality stretched.

I have come to the conclusion you must

have been suffering from seasonal delusions.

Forgive yourself, you temporarily lost the plot.

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You are keeping us busy this evening!
This one is making me think. You tell the reader it is self reflection so we know we are gaining some insights into the protagonist who is seemingly having doubts and has perhaps been a little less active as they suffer seasonal blues?

[Chris Shaw]

I think you have summed that up quite well John. Back on track now. Many thanks for your visit.
read moreI think you have summed that up quite well John. Back on track now. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hey I often make B and S Soup and many more besides!

[Mari' Emeraude]

Now I found this piece quite intriguing! What could it all mean?!!

[Roger Turgeon]

Hmmmm I think seasonal means recently and that you mean you are tired of the haphazardly spread butter on your life. Perhaps two plots are lost not just one. Good thing plots are easy to find...now motivation that's the trick. Do you feel this is the evolution of your craft.....or just the current stage?

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Roger for checking this one out. Yes, this was something that made me think and ruminate on recently. My writing is constantly evolving. It has moved a long way from strict classical to a bit of everything. I never know now how a poem will spin out. I just go with the flow of the muse. I am happy about that too. I really appreciate your time.

Chris

[Roger Turgeon]

For my view of the poem writing process try reading my poem Poetic Mind

[augustus]

I love my butter spread very thickly and even more if it's peanut butter!! Have I lost the plot?

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Augustus for your visit. Enjoy your peanut butter. I doubt you have lost the plot.

Chris

[Crosby Idasa]

nice write... one have to forgive themselves first in everything that happens in life

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Crosby. You are right. It is best not to beat ourselves up over our mistakes. Better to learn from them and move on.

Chris

[Crosby Idasa]

perfect and well understood

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Ahhh, Chris - we've all questioned ourselves and the actions we have taken along life's ways. The regrets along with the good times are all part of the learning curve; however, it is whether we take stock and change that matters - great write to ponder, reflect and cogitate over! But rest assured, we on W/C love you for who you are - not who you feel you are - have a blessed day my friend... :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Phill on a glorious morning here in Berkshire. Many thanks for your lovely response. It's good to take stock. Weigh up things and make changes if necessary. I am in the habit of talking to myself on these occasions :)

Chris

[kentuck14]

This is a very honest poem, Chris. You are a fine poet, having posted many fine poems; but I must place this one at the top of my list. Love that line about the spreading of butter. I can tell you worked hard at this piece. Congratulations.
Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tom. I did work on this piece for quite sometime before I posted it. The thoughts were in my mind for quite a while before turning to compose them into something. Happy that this is your favourite of mine so far. Many thanks for your encouragement.

Chris

[kentuck14]

you are welcome.

[Einstein Noodle]

always healthy to step back a pace or two and "Take (ing) Stock" ;) spreading the butter on thick makes for a messy path way and even applied thinly ...on a slope ...will make it slippery :)))))))) your poem has got me introspective Ms. Christine ... your presented "relationship" has a strong note of hope in closing .. forgiveness being the better part of humanity
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E. I am a firm believer in not beating yourself up over errors. That's how we learn. We have to be a little kind to ourselves. Good to see you. Be well.

Chris

[Onlyme]

Delightful entertaining and articulately expressed Chris. About self- reflection and contemplation on life and being. Great one for the start of the weekend to ponder on. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dawn for your review.

Chris

[Derekv]

Awesome piece, Chris. As always, I love the imagery you create. Self-reflection can be very cathartic, great for the soul.

Keep up the good work!

-Derekv

[Chris Shaw]

Mank thanks Derek for your visit. Good to see you here. All good wishes for a happy weekend.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Proper ending to the entertaining poetry. I liked the flow of thoughts. Made me believe dear Chris. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris