Evoking the Cologne

Dad's dressing gown
remained exactly where
he last placed it,
on a shiny brass hook
on his bedroom door,
where it stayed
in its navy blue state,
hanging lifeless long after
his fate had been sealed.

Long after his unexpected
demise and my eyes
had lost focus on life,
I would wear it.
Wrap myself in its embrace
close my lids then breathe in
the essence of him.

That familiar cologne
bringing him back
for a few precious moments
before the sense of loss
would kick in with vigour
and tear me apart
like a ripped seam.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this tore me apart...and made my eyes water...reminding me of my dad and how much i miss him...
and speaking of the cologne...i remember how particular he was about hygiene, the shave, the old spice, the showers...and then how in his last couple years he hated showers...didn't even realize he no longer cared about that....
so well written here.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. It's 28 years since my Dad died, but this poem is fresh off the press and his loss still haunts me. Sorry it made your eyes water.:(

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

He must have been really young...???

[Chris Shaw]

Young enough at 60. I don't think he would have made an accepting old man.

[barleygirl]

I love this share, Jacob . . . great response to a touching poem! (((HUGS))) to both of you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and I thank you, too, Margie...
Chris' poem evoked so many feelings and memories for me...read moreand I thank you, too, Margie...
Chris' poem evoked so many feelings and memories for me...
j.

[Einstein Noodle]

i like your response also jacob...Old Spice all the way ... and always clean shaven ... except maybe on a Saturday ... when we were at risk for a whiskering ...

[Thomas W Case]

Superb work. It's amazing how the sense of smell evokes memories.

[Chris Shaw]

I agree Thomas. Thank you so much for stopping by today. All the best.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

With me it is my Uncle Othneils pipe tobacco. I seem to smell it at all the important parts of my life. But then he was my true father . Not the one I called Dad. Excellent memory and tribute.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken for stopping by to share your thoughts. You are much appreciated. All the best.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

So much of your work deals with memories and history... I hope you find the catharsis you deserve through your poetry

[Chris Shaw]

What a considerate and generous review John. Thank you so much for your kindness. Have a good Wednesday.

Chris

[Pauline]

"Tear me apart like a ripped seam." If you'd only written that one phrase, it would have conjured up so many thoughts and feelings. (Like it did for me on reading it.) Love your poetry Chris, there's always so much meaning in what you write.x

[Chris Shaw]

So lovely to find you here Pauline. A delightful surprise. Hope all is good with you and thanks for all that praise. You are far too generous. Be well and happy my friend.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Loss is such a universal and timeless theme to explore, and you have done well to separate the you voice of the poem and your own. Well done.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Winston. Not an easy one to write. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Kaylor Mason]

This reminded me of people I have lost, including my own mother just last year. It never gets any easier. Ever.

[Chris Shaw]

You are right Kaylor. It doesn’t get any easier. I lost my mother last year too. Condolences to you. Thanks for your review.

Chris

[Matthew Kult]

Sorrowfully written, lovingly remembering.

Wonderful read.

With love,

Matthew

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Matthew for your lovely review. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

Dear Chris Shaw,
I don't know if this fiction/non-fiction,
so, to critique is befound ( hard to tell its worth).
as best told; must say, I thought at first priest, or marriage,
but it is a tragic death, whence the cologne is the sole memory,
within the gown. very indicative and powerful withing the poem,
"and tear me apart
like a ripped seam."
--great writ, ---1809 Black Plague December

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for bringing my Dad back to me this morning. Thirty two years gone, what a blessing he was in my life. I am so pleased you chose this one from my archives.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

I have no memories of my father, and whenever I read stirring pieces like this, I truly know what I lost. And I live that loss to this day, wishing I were the woman I am now, as opposed to the little girl I was. Although I have nothing tangible to remind me of him, I'd like to think I would know him - by heart!

(((Hugs)))) and much love, dear Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Your review touched me Kelly. A great loss for you never having known your father. Thank you for your warm thoughts. Sending love across the pond. This is an old poem.

Chris

[willweb]

This was heart touching Chris. Sadly, I do not remember the cologne my father wore, I had moved far away from home in my early years. But I do know how a certain scent can bring back memories and make us long for those days again. Beautifully written my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you will. Yes, scents can really bring back memories.I appreciate your thoughts here.

Chris