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

[Fairy Khan]

Your words make death sound peaceful. I don't even know if I am supposed to feel that way. Beautifully written lines.

[Chris Shaw]

Death was certainly a release for Jen who had a long illness. Thank you Fairy for your valued thoughts.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Some anniversaries are pleasant, others somber. This work describes one of the latter category. A friendship of such duration bespeaks a deep bond, and the individual who is the poem's subject apparently had very special qualities. The beautiful imagery employed highlights those qualities. Hopefully time will provide some amelioration of the pain of loss.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. She was a special friend. Miss her a great deal. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Gee]

To have such friendship is a wonderful thing and this poem to highlight it beautiful :))
Good morning Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee for your lovely review. It's a good afternoon from me now. Just starting to get dark. Are you Christmas ready?

Chris

[Gee]

Ready and waiting. Did the last bit of Christmas shopping with my daughter yesterday, have 1/2 a day to work tomorrow then off til the 2nd..yeahhhh.
And you ??

[Chris Shaw]

All ready. Did the food shop today. Have a great break. All the best to you and yours Gee.

[Robert Trakofler]

You know when I was reading this... I couldn't help but see you in those words You have a smile like that too me thinks:) but the expression of your fondness to her is strongly penned and I love the image of her heart's smile clearing the fog. what a fine thing to carry with you in your heart

[Chris Shaw]

Her loss is huge Bunny, and this review from you is quite lovely. Thank you so much.

Chris

[kentuck14]

A beautiful testimony and remembrance of a lifelong friend. My sympathies for your loss.
T

[Chris Shaw]

She was a treasure Tom. Lucky me to have had her as a friend for so long. All good wishes.
read moreShe was a treasure Tom. Lucky me to have had her as a friend for so long. All good wishes.

Chris

[Intothemilkyway]

This was very beautiful and close to the heart. I felt your emotions.
A friend is the best thing life can give you. Someone who understands you like no other.
Certainly even better when they stay in your life.
But for some of us it's not like this. We have yet to find that friend.
Good memories remain if they were good to you. If not only sad memories remain.

[Chris Shaw]

What a thoughtful and beautiful response. I really appreciate your visit. Thank you.

Chris

[barleygirl]

WOW! What a tribute! I felt every bit of this & I'm sure your angel-friend does too. I love the title phrase as a way to describe a person. That really hits home, becuz some people are like a steady season of sensations. I love how this feels more like a ceremony than a celebration . . . there's a somber serious quality that speaks of your heart's mood (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. I was fortunate to have her friendship for so long, but I certainly miss her. Appreciate your thoughtful response.

Chris

[Eilis]

A beautiful tribute to a lost friend. Your words show the dailiness of her presence for you. Her photo resting on the mantle ready to be greeted each day. Her familiar face always on your heart.

Those friends made early, if kept, do hold such a special place. They permeate so many of the corners of our minds and form a large portion of the landscape. Your words offer us all a sense of how special she was to you and how much she’ll be missed.

I’m sorry for your loss, Chris. Poetry is such a gift in helping to face and express the impact of the hardships we encounter. This lovely work is a great example of that.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Eilis. A special friend deserves a special tribute. I am fortunate to have her twin sister on my radar. It's good for me, because they both shared much with me. Always appreciate your visits and I value your input on my page.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

A lovely poem for your friend..surely this friend has remained very dear in your memory and of course in your heart

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fran Marie for your thoughtful response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

I realize I read
this last year
but just reread
it..its such a
heartfelt piece
of endearment
for your friend
and how you'll always
remember in your heart
beautifully expressed Chris

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you came back a second time Fran Marie. Delighted you did so :)

[Fran Marie]

you're most
welcome;