Forever Summer

(Remembering Jen. First Anniversary. The skies lit up that night, 5th November, in a blaze of fireworks. She did it her way)

her infectious smile greets me daily

beaming on my mahogany mantle

where she is free from death's dust

amid a flurry of forget me nots

that match her pale blue eyes

whose sparkle is forever summer

the melancholy of autumn days

followed by winter's wicked freeze

will not diminish her radiance

she of that lucent capacity

could lighten a darkened room,

gloom dissipated in her presence

it lifted like mist concealing a lake

taken away by a bold burnished sun

Jen my dearest childhood friend

remembering you always,

life goes on, though the song of you

remains strong and unforgettable

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... a year has passed... and still your poem
resonates in our heart. My Mom passed in December
about forty-two years ago. Her radiant smile still warms me
when I see her photo on our Mantel above a crackling fire.
Your poem dedicated to your friend is a legacy of gentle grace.
tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, thank you for bringing Jen back to me this morning. So pleased this poem also reminds you of your own mother's radiant smile. That really pleases me. Sending love across the waves.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Good friends are hard to come by.

[Chris Shaw]

You aren't wrong there. Thanks for the read about one of mine.

Chris

[PamiAnde]

Chris, what a beautiful tribute to your dear friend. Your love, her light, shine through, and the portraits you paint are fervently vivid.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much PamiAnde. Your thoughts welcome and appreciated.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

I'm listening to one of favourite pieces of music at the moment. Patrick Cassidy's Vide Cor Meum. It fits these line so perfectly. Sad but exqusitly beautiful. A true monument of love.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken. I will make a point of checking that piece out. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All the best.

Chris

[ev vileville]

This a beautiful tribute. Happy and sad at same time. I loved it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. I appreciate the read and the visit.

Chris

[.]

I can feel this poem so much as I recently lost my brother in law to covid. Remembering those days can feel our heart with joy and pain equally.. You are a lovely soul and reading this poem I can feel that emotion through you...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sima, for your kind thoughts. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[undisclosed]

Writers Cafe won'et let me post a one word review, but I have one word for this.

Beautiful.

Kindly,

Ruby

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Ruby. Your thoughts so appreciated.

Chris

[lightsong]

very beautiful, very endearing, very heartwarming though we are reading about loss. a precious tribute dear Chris, some of your lines stand alone and hit the heart with the real personal touch leaving no doubts that it was Jane and only Jane... lovely and sad, the heart can't but feels both. amazing gem my friend. May she keep accompany You with her light and smile**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you lightsong for reviewing my tribute to a beautiful soul. A childhood friend. She is greatly missed.

Chris

[Aldo kraas]

I really enjoyed reading
You poem
Keep up the good work

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I am so busy with family life at the moment, I wish I could write more. Sending love across the pond.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

A cherished poem to a dear friend who lightened up the room even though darkness hung…a precious ode to her in the way you chose your words,and the perfect images….even the “wicked freeze will not diminish her radiance”…loved it
Yours truly
B.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty for such a lovely review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris!

[Ladysue]

Oh this was extraordinary beautiful..Bittersweet..Brought tears to my eyes.. What a lovely heartfelt tribute to your dear friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for stopping by Sue and leaving such a nice review.

Chris

[Lale]

I like the way you portray every good feature of Jen. She's so lucky to have a friend like you.
I'm having so much fun reading your poems.. it's like reading a book of a girl who made so many memories and regrets nothing. You're good, Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Jen was such a special friend. Knew her for many years and I miss her so much. Thank you for the interest you are showing in my work Lale. That really encourages me.

Chris

[Lale]

You're welcome. It's my pleasure.