Strings

For Nicola, much loved friend and pop in neighbour

In your room of gentle love,

hemmed in by sprays of floral scent,

of orchid whites, pale pearly pinks

and hues of lilacs heaven sent,

you breathe in gifts of garden flowers

to soothe you in your ebbing hours.

Close by your side within your reach

are photos of the young you birthed,

their peachy cheeks laugh back at you.

They smile as if they long to say,

"you'll never be that far away,

within our blood you'll always be".

Through the drapeless window seen,

a floor to ceiling, sweeping view,

the sky a wash of dusky blue,

a thousand sequins on display,

that line your pathway, guide your flight

into the everlasting night.

The love you gave was built to last

and so with ten years soon to pass,

on that delicate round table

of kindness, loyalty and affection,

you rise again once more dear friend

to stir the dust off my reflections.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Strings..i think of a guitar...and my best friend playing it as we sat and visited...she still visits me, and plays in my dreams.
and it has been 35 years since i lost her...
and what really stirs the dust off my reflections is when i hear a song by her favorite...stevie winwood...

this poem takes me back...and i appreciate the reflection..thank you, Chris.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I'm happy that this poem has a special meaning for you Jacob. It's tough losing such close friends. It must be of some comfort to you, that your friend still appears in your dreams after all this time. Forever young. Thank you.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Gorgeous ode.
Great loss has elicited stunning praise.
Lilting verbal elegance.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy for giving my good friend Nicola an airing. Wonderful, mother, friend and a great loss to me. A neighbour for many years. Really appreciate this visit to my archives.

Chris

[Troy Henson]

What a wonderful piece that really draws the reader in with some beautiful imagery and a soft tone that really touched me. Losing someone is not easy at any given time howbwe those ones that are especially close can often pop up at the best of times and allow us to remember them. Beautiful piece and thank you for sharing 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Troy, pleased to see you on this page. Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Sneh]

This shows how powerfully friendship can exist. First stanza is beautiful and soothing nerves , literally fragrance is still there!
Good day ... ! :D

[Chris Shaw]

Hello dear Sneh, how lovely that you should visit. I thank you and hope all is good in your world. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

So beautiful and wonderful use of description. Made me believe and see your words written. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry. I liked this one.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote for all your encouragement. I always appreciate your visits.

Chris

[Relic]

This is one of your best, Chris. It's hard to lose friends, especially as we get older. I've seen many disappear. I found out not too long ago a friend died a year prior. All that time and I never knew.

Great poem, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim for your lovely review. It is hard losing good friends, you are so right. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend as well.

Chris

[kentuck14]

Chris,
A wonderful elegy for a never-forgotten friend. Congratulations.
T.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Tom for your review.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

This is beautiful
I never got to say goodbye to my sister and a close friend recently
I was able to be with mum when she passed five years ago
I loved this thanks for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie, I am so sorry you never got the chance to say goodbye to your sister and your friend. I was fortunate and visited my friend the evening she passed. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

No worries a beautiful poem

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

I just read this again thanks I love it 🥰

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Julie for reading again :)

[An owl on the moon]

There is the most beautiful tenderness expressed through your words here, these loving reflections, and the most delicate of dedications. My soul found a peace just flowing from line to line. Such blessings.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your beautiful response Craig. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Onlyme]

Oh, I just love the ebb and flow in this one Chris, like a musical melody that is played inside my head, heart and mind as I read this inside my head to myself. With wonderful images to go with it also.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dawn for your thoughts.

Chris

[AYVID N]

This poem is replete with such lovely and timeless imagery. There are so many favourites to pick here but I just love the sky, a wash of dusky blue. Old friendships are precious and must be preserved and held onto till the very end. Your words are so appreciated here💕

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA for your wise words. I appreciate your response most warmly.

Chris