Without Conditions

I love you most for your imperfections

and even more for those major flaws.

I can hold them like a spring bouquet

that you gave to me in early May,

wilted and torn, worn from the chill of winds.

Yet I'd gladly take those blooms

regardless that their stems are bent,

regardless that they're broken

and more so as they've lost their scent

for they are but a token.

They remind me of me,

quite often in a boat at sea,

struggling to stay afloat.

Quite often perceiving simplicity

as complex,

it's the wiring of me,

the way my brain functions.

I have my flaws too,

but my doors remain open,

accessible and true.

Reviews

[lightsong]

You always amaze me with your ability to express with a powerful impact yet with simplicity of words, I find here my poem "the lyrics" gentle at times, tough at times, easy at times, complicated, cold at times, warm in another... my smile didn't leave my face from the line one until the last, the essence of love that flowed through was pure and genuine. Thank You my dearest Chris for keep sharing your "perfection" poetry with us.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear lightsong, alwats you are so very generous with your reviews. You have a huge heart and I thank you. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

What a beautiful tribute to someone in your life who contributed to who you are.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Shelley for stopping by. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

You're welcome :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Everyone has flaws and i like the way you describe them here. His flaws which arise as a dead bouquet of flowers is still something, worth something....Which then reminds you of you....your own flaws struggling with complexities that should be simple things, struggling to stay afloat, yet at the end you leave your doors open ...."accessible and true"... a poem of human flaws well written and to the point, Chris
Truly, B.

[Chris Shaw]

A lovely review Betty. Thank you so much. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome

[Dylan Macadham]

Parents love their kids Without Conditions, it's easy, but not so easy is it with spouses, Mom&Pop, friends and extended family.
Although--and this had not occurred to me until right this moment--it's easier for me with friends ...and I suddenly wonder why ???
You've given me something to think about, Chris, which is, of course, what genuine poets do.
Thank you :)
Dylan

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dylan. Pleased that this poem makes you think. Really appreciate you stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

This one speaks of unconditional love, an ideal state of mind, one sometimes not easily achieved. The addressee is not named, but it is seemingly one with whom the speaker has had a long relationship, wherein both pluses and minuses have had a chance to be observed. The speaker is well aware of the flaws but accepts them because there is an identification with them. When you can accept major deficits and love the person anyway, you have come a long way spiritually. If only such a spirit could be introduced into politics; but of course I am dreaming.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you.

Chris

[KeithMansfield]

I have no fancy words I just really enjoyed your poem. Thanks.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Keith. Delighted you stopped by. You don't need fancy words on my page. Have a great day.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Although we are all flawed, love completes us, strengthens us, inspires us, covers all flaws. Your poem, gorgeous and flawless, is needed for assurance, self doubts and worth.
You are one of the best.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sami, thank you for your very encouraging review. So pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome, Chris.

[Ruth]

I think it is human nature to have flaws, we all have them in certain ways...the lovely element here is that those flaws are open and vulnerable and in vulnerability there is a gentle charm I believe:) Sometimes we need reminding of our strength and beauty, as Hemmingway said "We are all broken, that's how the light gets in." :)

[Chris Shaw]

Love the Hemingway quote. Thank you Ruth. You are a treasure. Have a great day.

Chris

[.]

We all have flaws and accepting a relation with its flaws is divine like those tilted flowers, though fragrantless still so beautiful by their own charm and innocence.

I especially loved the stanza of openness...it's unlike rigidity that accepts everything and try to mingle with it.
Loved this wonderful poem

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sima, thank you for your thoughtful response on this older poem. You are appreciated.
read moreDear Sima, thank you for your thoughtful response on this older poem. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

'I have my flaws, too, but my doors remain open, accessible and true', such beautiful words and something I wish we could all follow. And I loved the line, 'they remind me of me.' It adds a charm and a twist to this piece, and there's such beauty in the way you write about bouqets here, it seems that you see every inch of a flower, of there beauty and growth. The way you pay attention to the world shows here so well- a beautiful, gorgeous piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your thoughtful and lovely review Colacat. You are appreciated.

Chris

[LostSage]

reminds me of a song I listen to almost everyday... it goes like this..."you're the prettiest mess I've ever seen" have a super great day Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Jeff, it must be a nice song if you listen to it every day. :) All of us have our imperfections, I don't mind owning up to mine :) Hope you are OK young man and thank you for stopping by to say hello.

Chris