New Day

from the archives, reworked after reading gram's cancer poem

I feared darkness most of all

when I believed I might not survive.

When the elasticated hours of

nightfall stretched with ease 

into death's oblivion.

When morning light

hid behind the silk black skirts

of last night's kiss,

where dreams were left

in limbo.

It's not until your life waivers,

till it wobbles with weakness,

when it becomes compromised

with uncertainty, that clarity

makes her appearance, her eyes

wide open and window cleaned.

When question marks hang

like a noose over your survival,

the simplicity of waking up

to a brand new day breaking,

it starts to dawn on you.

Reveals a whole new meaning

to morning has broken.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

what an image..."question marks hang like a noose over your survival"
and the ending had me singing Cat Stevens...
and "dreams left in limbo" i like the religions reference in talking about the disease...and how when we realize we may be dying...we start believing even if we didn't before...or we believe stronger than we ever did...
this is so Good, Chris. and yes, it is poetry! :)
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob. Quite some time ago now, but you don't forget the vulnerability. Pleased you found merit in these words.

Chris

[Relic]

I'm surprised I never saw this one, Chris. One of your best for sure.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tim. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Glad you found it.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

WOWSER! What a fantastic write. I especially like the closing stanza...(When question marks hang
like a noose over your survival, the simplicity of waking up to a brand new day breaking, it starts to dawn on you. Reveals a whole new meaning to morning has broken.) ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

I really appreciate your enthusiastic review Sharon. Thank you so much.

Chris

[J. J. Nightingale]

I have been there... long ago.. Some "times" in life give us a deep appreciation of Life...............

I hear you...............well done

Jazzy

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jazzy. To be heard and understood, is good in my books. So appreciate your visit and understanding.

Chris

[J. J. Nightingale]

You are welcome.... :).....................

[NotUsinganymore]

Very interesting poem. It reminds me of freedom and wanting to attain it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. I like your thoughts here. Happy New year.

Chris

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

And then you see you morning shining with smile for the day you survived. Really, the dark knight rises.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you SKY, yes each new day, each new sunrise is special. Appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Most Welcome Chris!

[barleygirl]

I love this poem very much. I never think about death, so it felt surreal to read first two verses, gracefully written, but I was puzzling over how I think a person who's dying isn't really thinking about the death process as much as about the span of life & the people in it. That was just a teeny bump for me, among otherwise awesome writing. Your msg is 2-pronged -- our idea of death changes when we are facing it . . . and facing death makes us live differently too. Facing extreme difficulties in life, as well as facing death -- both can bring on profound enlightenment. That's what I love about your poem. Here's hoping you're going into a new year full of delight (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. Nothing like a close shave to put perspective into a situation. Happily, a long time ago. Many thanks for your review and all the best for 2020.

Chris

[LoFiPineapple]

I love that this talks about how you could try to hold on to a dream and yet still lose it when you wake to the early morning light.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for your visit. Your thoughts most appreciated.

Chris

[Gee]

It is sad that we more often than not need illness or near death experiences to open our eyes to how wonderful it is to be alive and breathing and how wondrous nature is.
A luvverly piece of writing Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee. Yes, it is sad, but is often the case. When you think your days, are numbered, your priorities soon change.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Seems like close encounters with death are when we learn to appreciate life the most.
Quite an emotionally compelling poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Dale, what a difference those close encounters make. Puts a completely different perspective on things. Thank you so much for this visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Christine... I wholeheartedly believe in all your
words. I am a Miracle for a dozen years or so...
and all we can do is enjoy each new day... like the song
"Morning Has Broken" like the first morning...
One of my cousins just took her last breath yesterday
in a peaceful way with family by her side. Each and every day is
precious. truly... a lovely poem. Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Pat, I send my condolences on the loss of your cousin. You say you are a Miracle of 12 years, and I am one of 15. You dear poet will fully understand every word I have written. Each and every day counts. Thank you so much for your words. They mean a great deal.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... it is very soul-searching to have the priviledge to live longer. The intricacies of the human body is phenomenal ... and it is very humbling to live on this earth with millions of people who achieve quite an array of Vocations.
Congratulations, Chris, for surviving so long. There is a reason for poets to live as long as possible. That would be because poetry stirs the Soul and enriches the Heart. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Poetry certainly does stir the soul Pat. Can't imagine a life without it dear friend.