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

[John the Baptist]

There is nothing like a crisis to rearrange priorities. This one has the sound, if not the specifics, of an actual life threatening ordeal. The darkness of verse one is, of course, death. The kiss of verse two may be a reference to the kiss of death, the dreams left in limbo a hint of how close it came. Verse three is an acknowledgement of how a brush with the dark angel can make one see life as it really is. Verse four seems to be an assessment of the effect of a near mortal experience on a person's point of view. Though no one invites them, such events can renew our appreciation of life.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John. You are so right. A crisis can certainly put perspective into the situation. I appreciate your thoughts here and your visit.

Chris

[Scarlet]

I really enjoyed the vocabulary you used and how you used it. "When morning light hid behind the silk black skirts of last night's kiss, where dreams were left in limbo." I really liked how you wrote that line. I thought the word choices were beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Scarlet for your good wishes and your thoughtful review. Happy you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[richieb]

Christine,
Your words grab the reader and put them in an uncomfortable spot. It may be a reminder o yesterdays darkness or a wake up call that ,"Hey this could happen to me". through past battles with alcoholism and depression, your words hit me like a ton of bricks. Thank you for an eye opening write.
God Bless,
Richie b.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Richie b, your thoughts about my write are truly appreciated. Thank you so much for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris this is so powerful a write! It is amazing what the light of a new morning can bring.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. All good wishes.

Chris

[Crowley]

Wow, this is powerful!!! So many great lines and an ending that offers a life of hope and renewed. When morning light hid behind the silk black skirts....damn. So different for you but I love it!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, thanks Crowley. Appreciate your visit. Have a great day.

Chris

[Intothemilkyway]

I felt this very much. It's truly wonderful.
The past two days have been very bad since in my country we passed through an earthquake.
I really pray for all those people.
We have to live every moment cause we never know when we are gone from this world.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is very much appreciated. Thank you. My thoughts are with those people who are having to deal with the aftermath of that earthquake. Take care.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

an intense piece that gives one pause
to think..the haunting thoughts of
our own mortalty.
.Where dreams were
left in limbo..that line
alone ..makes you think
will we indeed see that new day..

nice work

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fran Marie. Your thoughts gratefully received. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

When you dip into the archives it feels like you've pulled a plum out even though it may need re-working.
This is one of the best descriptions of dealing with the Killer that I have read ... it is not maudlin ... nor does it come across as self-pitying.
The end is something most people of a certain age contemplate ... especially those who have seen many close friends or family begin that journey. We'd like to think there is something more than a well of blackness and people of faith draw on their beliefs to cope.
Einstein said that energy can neither be created nor destroyed and since we are energy, I like to think death is the beginning of a greater journey ... not that I am anxious to begin that trip.

A gem from the archive. A good write.

[Chris Shaw]

Ted, that is a lovely review you have left here. I thank you for it. Have a great day.

Chris

[AYVID N]

I have often wondered when I have read so many people say that a terminal illness has proved a blessing to them. This poem illustrates their point beautifully, dear Chris. The way you underline those emotions of longing for life, in the face of uncertainty of life, just gripped me. This poem will stay with me always.

[Chris Shaw]

I so appreciate your time and thoughts DIVYA. Thank you so much for your valued visit. All good wishes.

Chris