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

[Edie Blue Starfish]

Lovely rhyme and easily relatable as those butterflies we hope will stay sometimes are let loose to wander away.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Edie, especially as you found this piece relatable. All good wishes.

Chris

[Nearly Blonded]

a beautiful retelling of love and had love (seemingly) lost. the emphasis on the book being thin struck a chord with me. the shortest loves and friendships can certainly be the strongest. great poem :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your lovely review Nearly Blonded. I agree that the shortest loves and friendships can be the strongest. Pleased to meet you on my page. All good wishes.

Chris

[Sarah K Cass]

Ooh. that struck s chord. That's what I love about writing and reading others work. The emotion and experiences of life shine through and make the poem feel 'real'.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Amber for your visit. Pleased these lines came across as real.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

There have been too many "books of us" in my life I'm afraid...too many times I squandered what could have been good, through fear of commitment mostly, I was the death of us. It took a long time until I found myself writing new chapters in that book.

A good write that struck a chord...hard to tell eh?
Thanks Chris...but, while not all experiences are good, they are necessary.

[Chris Shaw]

Not sure that it was good to strike a chord Ted. I get the feeling you are saying ouch. Fortunately I don't have many Books of Us, but the ones I have are very memorable. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this short poem, out for an airing from my archives.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

The funny part of this is I just assumed I knew of the butterfly from an earlier line but i of course did not. thus it is plain to see when i lock into your verses it is as if I am the object of your displeasure and a tinge of guilt waves thru my mind until the finishing punch! Then i say to myself oh yeah... that's not me... whew:) neat trick rhyme queen

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Bunny, you could never be the object of my displeasure. No guilt necessary :) Thank you so much for calling on this little poem. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

isn't it a gift that we can pull up old pains, old hurts and turn them into poetry...even when we are feeling joyous that we are creating something..and also funny that others might read and think.."oh no, you are going through such a heartache, i hope you are alright!"

Hank is on my lap, and she says hi.

really strong piece of writing, Chris....she liked it as well...or i guess she does, she is purring pretty loudly.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Jacob, pleased both you and Hank approve of this little write and yes it is a gift to be able to turn old news, old pains into poetry.

A big hi to Hank on your lap from me.

Chris

[Jade]

Kinda sad really, it tugs on the heart strings. very well written

[Chris Shaw]

Aye, is was sad when it happened. Thanks Brandie Jade.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A sad but forthright way of saying it is over, and in verse too! Love the use of the book allegory, the short lived episode being slim etc.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for reviewing John. Your thoughts appreciated.

Chris