The Book of Us

(one from the archives)

That book of us, is slim it's true,

its hardback cover turquoise blue,

its title bold, its letters gold

and there upon a page inside

in print that's smudged by tears which fell,

the only words I wish to say

and why with pain I walked away.

"I loved you well but I could tell

that butterfly inside of you

had squandered us, had wandered on

with ease it seems and little fuss.

My dear you were the death of us."

Reviews

[lightsong]

Gosh my dear! how with your masterful pen You brought unrequited love alive again. there is love, but there is not equal love, no equal give and take... how much courage it takes one to be firmed and decide to walk away, not only for oneself but also to the other part, to leave them so they can learn and grow. I find real wisdom here dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for your thoughtful review lightsong. Pleased to have you stop by.

Chris

[Cassie]

painful reading this you have brought out the emotions so well

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Cassie. Pleased to have you stop by. Hope all is well with you.

Chris

[Yashi]

this is amazing, we all can relate or personal thingss to this..............the best I have read today!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Yashi for your encouraging review and your visit.to my page.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared dear Chris.
"That book of us, is slim it's true,"
I did like the above lines. It is odd with old age. How we look at things? Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote for stopping by. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[wordman]

the ones we hoped for but never made it

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for stopping by Ron. Your thoughts welcome and appreciated.

Chris

[wordman]

you`re welcome

[Honestly J.T.]

Looks as though the chapter is complete; God bless; -JT

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for stopping by. Yes I think you can safely say that. Good to have you visit.

read moreThank you for stopping by. Yes I think you can safely say that. Good to have you visit.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I'm left wondering what the "butterfly" represents that it "squandered" or had the relationship within its power to squander. Perhaps a representation of a free or flighty spirit? I've always admired free spirits, being one myself, but certainly, not to the detriment of my relationships. An interesting and and somewhat quixotic piece with an unhappy ending.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Butterflies flit from one place to another, never resting for long. Maybe he was like that too? Good to have you visit.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

I expected to go into this loving it as much as your other poems, but I didn’t go into it expecting to come out of it with a new favorite poem, ever. This is just so intensely beautiful and breathtaking, so powerful and the specifics in the book makes it only that much better. The name caught my eye already, but the writing inside is just a new classic. I’m absolutely amazed with this piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Colacat. You amaze me. You are always so utterly generous with your reviews and I appreciate you. Thanks a million.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Amazing poem Chris; written with such emotion; every word felt a tear in my eye....even though there may have been misunderstanding... the book is memories, perhaps sad, with tear-stained pages, but still memories to keep near you heart, though at one time is was pained. Poignant
Best, B.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty thank you for your lovely review and continued encouragement. You are the best.
read moreDear Betty thank you for your lovely review and continued encouragement. You are the best.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Not the best by far, but I love reading your poetry! I hear that the new Delta variant is spreading through UK, here too! Stay safe😊

[Chris Shaw]

Yes it is sweeping through. We are double vaccinated, so are trying to keep safe. You take great care too.

[Laz K.]

Every relationship is a story with the participants being the main characters. As they say, every story needs a conflict, otherwise there's no story. They also have beginnings and ends. Sometimes we wish they could go on indefinitely, but they don't. Some stories stay with us forever, they were so impactful.

I'm just riffing off your thoughts, and your metaphor.

I really enjoy your poems for their depth, beauty and for the skill with which you compose them.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Laz, you just made my day. I appreciate your generous and thoughtful review. All the best.

Chris