Other People's Misfortune

(1916)

Her name is Tryphena and she faces

a camera with pale solemnity. She stands

beside her brother, seated on a hard-back chair.

Her small left hand rests with dignity

on his right shoulder. He looks impeccably

smart in his newly pressed military uniform.

Brass buttons, polished and gleaming,

peaked cap, slightly tilted above one brow,

a half smile on his lips, eyes eagerly bright.

The soft gathers in her black silk skirt hang

loosely to her ankles and her open neck white

cotton, collared blouse is freshly starched.

Like a fragile bird she is, her waist so tiny

she looks as though she will snap in two.

They are perfect in sepia, they are forever in sepia

as sadly two days later on the first day of the battle

of the Somme, he was killed in action. Less than

six months later her husband was lost at sea.

The name Tryphena derives from Greek and means

dainty and delicate, as her appearance

would lead visitors of this museum to believe.

I stare at length into her long dead eyes

hoping beyond all hope that she was gifted

with the heart and courage of a lioness under threat.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

What an incredibly visual account, Chris. The elegant woman, her informed brother caught at a moment as tribute to their love but - a tragic future, including the loss of Tryphena's husband. Too many photographs remain of that time, a generation of men lost, and women who remained spinsters for the remainder of their lives. You've captured that sad, sad time so brilliantly.. albeit a terrible time.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Em. There are so many photographs, each one telling a story. This one though, I found myself thinking about long after leaving the museum. The expression on her face, almost told me she knew what was coming next. She was so tiny, like a little sparrow, and her brother so handsome. The sacrifice never fails to move me.

Chris

[emmajoy]

There have been a billion tragic moments involving war.. but perhaps 1914- 1918 left the deepest scars. Know many would dispute that but.. (Must visit that museum.)

[John the Baptist]

"The news from the front is not altogether good," said Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig of the first day of the First Battle of the Somme in 1916, the bloodiest day in the history of warfare. The statistics are ghastly to read, but this poem puts a human face on them. The image of the young woman and her brother comes through clearly in these descriptive lines. To lose a brother and a spouse in six months time is unimaginable, but the war was only half over. There was much more mourning to come.

[Chris Shaw]

The Field Marshal's quote, a huge understatement of fact. I guess it had to be. Yes those photographs do put a human face on to the situation. The statistics become real people and then the empathy sets in. Thank you John.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I really like this piece. I can read the pictures clearly and thier meanings are well equipped.
This is a story I shouldn't forgot.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Kay for your thoughts. I really appreciate your visits my friend.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

It's my pleasure.

[adichie]

Well what I love about this piece, Chris, is something I could never identify in words when I was a kid, the skill with which you brighten and dull the colours of the visual. Makes me think of The Twilight Zone, originally shown in black and white, but the tale would be told so vividly, you could see the ironies in colour.

Not to mention the history, the etymology, the mythology, the psychology and the zoology turned beautifully in every phrase of this close and honest write.

Deb :)

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely review Deb. Thank you so much for your thoughts on my lines. Great to have you on my page. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dr. YumnaKay]

This one touched my heart. Nothing really good comes out of wars, especially for families, and always terrible to have them torn apart this way.
I found myself looking at that sepia image through your words here. That's how good your imagery is, Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dr Y. Long after viewing this old photo, the image played on my mind. The least I could do is remember their pain and heartbreak in a poem. Touched me too.

Chris

[Dr. YumnaKay]

I wouldn't have been able to forget the image either after seeing it and knowing the back story to it...
You're welcome.

[Coyote Poetry]

The story of the ancient people. They had to strong. I enjoyed the story written. Old world, worst than new world. War is never-ending. Women had to be brave. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote for your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

In this one photograph you tell the tale of a girl and her sibbling and war and loss and grief in words that describe the emotion of the photograph better than the original. A well constructed verse steeped in pathos and empathy.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for your lovely review. Much appreciated.

Chris