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

[Jimmy Yetts]

An eloquent, elegant and stirring tribute to a dear friend.
You've, obviously, suffered grievous loss.
Powerful poetry, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jimmy. A very close friend from childhood. A very sad loss. We shared some great times though through the decades.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

A dance of smiles and forgetmenots where memories abide... lovely treasure of the heart.
truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, many thank yous for your dance of smiles and forgetmenots. I was fortunate to have such a fine friend. Hope all is well with you.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Wonderful words shared for your friend. We shall know few people who can make us smile and know happiness. Thank you dear Chris for sharing your words and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. A very good friend indeed. The best, and for many years. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[David Klay]

What an absolutely beautiful tribute.

[Chris Shaw]

David, I very much appreciate your visit and review. Thank you.

Chris

[Crowley]

What a great tribute. Sounds like a hell of a friend. Its hard when we get to missing them, but its also filling when we recall those memories that we love best. Memories of who we were.

[Chris Shaw]

She was a great friend for many, many years Crowley. Sadly missed. Thank you Kay ndky for your thoughts and visit.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Beautiful words for your friend, some friends never seem to leave our hearts ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow for your thoughtful review. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Beccy]

Beautifully put Christine. The only legacy that matters, are the memories we leave in the minds of those who knew us. All else pales into insignificance.

Your friend will read this with love and affection.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Beccy for your encouraging review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Pete]

beautiful tribute. 'tis always summer in the heart of fond remembrance. wasn't sure where this was going at the outset but you delivered a wonderful ode to a warm season and dear friend you clearly find equally as warm in your loving analogy. very beautiful ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pete for your warm and encouraging response. Much appreciated.

Chris

[.]

A very poignant poem, Christine.

Your words here speak volumes for the regard in which your friend was held. I am sure she would be proud and smiling to have such lovely lines written in her memory. Friendships, especially those that last for a lifetime, are increasingly rare and the pain of such a loss would only be magnified.

I enjoyed the poem in all of its bittersweet beauty. Very well written and a wonderful dedication.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Doodley, delighted to receive a visit from you with such an encouraging review. Many thanks and all good wishes.

Chris

[.]

Good wishes returned. You're welcome.

[Anjeline]

A very sweet poem. Each line reflects your love and friendship for her and I am sure that she will be very happy wherever she is. Very nice work

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Anjeline for your lovely response. Always pleased to see you.

Chris

[Anjeline]

You're welcome :)