Before The Others Knew

In a Torbay hospital bed served by the
pitiful privacy of Oxford blue curtains
propped up pillows providing last comfort

His pallid skin remained warm to touch
peaceful in sleep, no sign of breathing
no response to my weeping

I leaned forward to kiss his forehead,
five times in all, once for myself,
a further four times for absent siblings

My tears spilled on to his cheeks,
as I stood back for one last time
Dad was crying too, with borrowed tears.

Reviews

[Robert Trakofler]

that is just about the finest sweetest most lovely and sad memory you could possibly have dear Chris I know it is peppered with all of the wonderful things you shared with him but the tribute of your love upon his cheeks sends me goosebumps. what a beautiful sharing.... rhyme queen sublime

[Chris Shaw]

Aw Bunny that is one beautiful review you have left me and I am so thankful because I wasn't sure about this one. Love ya.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Good for you dearest Chris for writing your thoughts to share with us all.. Losing ones father is horrible... this I know...
Lisa

[Ken Simm.]

A lovely shared memory and tribute that feels to me that although you didn't feel like this at the time. You were lucky. To say goodbye to someone you loved. Not everyone has that chance. A lovely gentle piece.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Ken. I was the lucky one. There on his final day. The others were 200 miles away. Many thank yous for your kind review. Have a good Sunday.

Chris

[willweb]

Oh my, the visual this creates is heartbreaking and heart touching at the same time. Beautiful Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

An oldie will. Thanks for your kind review.

Chris

[Neville]

I have no words but the shiver running up and down my spine say's everything I would if my tongue could manoeuvre around the lump in my throat 💜 x

[Chris Shaw]

💜x ……………..

[Jimmy Yetts]

The curse of death.
How we humans struggle with it!
Our heaviest burden is probably the certain knowledge that, eventually, it comes to us all;
including, God help us, the people we love most dearly.
Your lovely, profoundly sad poem made me shed a tear, unborrowed.

[Chris Shaw]

An oldie Jimmy, and yes a sad one. Not as raw these days as it once was. Really appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

An awfully difficult time
Both my parents had a rough finish which just made it all that much more difficult
The great one should have arranged things a bit more thoughtfully
Hope I just vanish one night
Take care

[Chris Shaw]

You've aired an oldie Dave. Sad time, sad poem but it was a long time ago now. You learn to live with loss. Thank you for bringing this one out into the sunshine :)

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Time takes care of many memories one way or the other

[Dr. YumnaKay]

This brought back memories from 3yrs ago, when my grandmother died and I couldn't bring myself to look at her right after her death (I, being the tough one in the family and used to not showing emotions)...
Your piece is emotional on so many levels and touched this stone heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for sharing your story Dr Y. I don't believe for one minute your heart is made of stone. Sometimes we just prefer to remember them as they were and not frozen in that last moment.

Chris

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

This is very heartfelt, a very well penned goodbye. Felt the emotion and love behind it for sure. Very well penned darl.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks cimmy. One that has taken many years to write.

Chris

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

:) your welcome

[Jibey]

I found this very moving. The touch of reality in the hospital - the dark blue curtains, created the scene of final parting. 'Borrowed tears' brought me up sharply to think of how a dying person slips out of the world they have once been so much a port of and which can no longer be recovered. A lovely, poignant write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jibey. It's been a long time coming this poem. I couldn't have written it at the time. Twenty eight years later........


Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

Precious. This must be a dear memory for you. It is so well describe.

My gran was from Torbay. She passed away two years ago. Your words touch me in a personal way.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lea. Torbay is a lovely part of the world. I so appreciate that these words touched you. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

You're welcome, Chris.

Torbay is the English Riveria. I spent many a happy summer in Torquay with my gran.

[Chris Shaw]

Love Torquay, but love Brixham even more :)

[Lea Sheryn]

My gran had the William IV in either Brixham or Totnes. I can never remember which one. :-))

[Chris Shaw]

Totnes I think. No pubs of that name in Brixham. How long ago since you were there?

[Lea Sheryn]

Had to be Totnes. Probably about 6-8 years ago.

My gran lived within walking distance of the model village

[Lea Sheryn]

in St. Mary's Church. Torquay.

[Chris Shaw]

Very close to where my Mum and Dad lived:)

[Lea Sheryn]

How nice. It is a beautiful area.

[Brad]

wow. this is incredible, and as a dad of 3 young kids I can only hope one of mine would feel like this someday.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Brad for your lovely review. Pleased to meet you and welcome to my page.

Chris