Flashback

let the dead rest, but i can not

so blame it on a blackbird singing

melancholic choking on notes

sorrow sticks like a crumb in the throat

i bring you back selfishly

to quiet Sunday isolated living

before flipping us into the sixties

into our threadbare history

where we danced on wood flooring

parquet in the town Pavillion

newly varnished,sliding, spinning

till out of breath we collapsed

laughing out of control while ice

in our drinks melted with our hearts

for four seasons carrier of my dreams

until i squandered you thoughtlessly

i blew you away, puff you are gone

like parachute seeds on a dandelion head

there, there my love you must return

let me tuck you in your long cold coffin

sleep, sleep my love, age does not alter you

as it wearies me and hurts my thinking

Reviews

[Lorry]

Those time travels of the mind can be all too real as the pain opens old wounds, but they too bring back those precious moments of joy shared and lived to the fullest Chris.
I know from experience how much of a daft sod you tell yourself you are, as you find tears and smiles mingling at what they truly meant to you.
Hopefully the warmth from the smiles they brought you linger longer.

[Chris Shaw]

Often a bitter sweet experience Lorry. Can have you smiling one minute and in tears the next. This young man died at 26. Finishing with him wasn't my finest hour, but at least it was done before he was diagnosed with the disease that killed him. I also have some wonderful memories. Thank you.

Chris

[Lox]

People around a person who passed away will struggle with their loss. But instead on fixating on how they go, we cherish the memories on how they were once with us. Beautiful poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Lox, I really appreciate your thoughts and your visit. Thank you.

Chris

[Lale]

I love it, but it aches my heart. What a strong poem your crafted there, @christine! You're amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lale thank you for your lovely response. Sorry not to have thanked you earlier.

Chris

[Lale]

No, it's Ok.. Thank YOU for sharing.

[pinhead07]

I enjoyed reading this ma'am. Remembrance of the resting that we were close with always makes us doubt whether to laugh about the good times or cry that they’re not here anymore.

sleep, sleep my love, age does not alter you
as it wearies me and hurts my thinking

Death; it is an end to the struggle. A long rest. I’m sure he was happy to be rid of the pain, his disease, and this world, as the good are.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you pinhead. He would have certainly been released from his pain. A life cut short. I really appreciate your reviews. Thank you.

Chris

[pinhead07]

My pleasure :)

[.]

Such a sad write, dear Chris. It's one thing this isolation has been notable for; making us sit and think and cast our mind back to our past and not surprisingly all our buried memories and emotions come bubbling to the surface. You have some lovely description here, painting the scene for the reader and then sweeping the carpet from under their feet at its ending. Life is full of regrets sometimes and its the regrets that always linger like ghosts in the mind. I enjoyed this one very much. At the least you have the memories of the lovely moments to balance the dark with the light. Much enjoyed, as always! :))

[Chris Shaw]

Too much time on our hands at present. The mind starts to wander. Regrets yes, fir the way we parted. Not my finest hour. Many thanks Jamila. Your thoughtful reviews are very much appreciated. You are a blessing on this site.

Chris

[Antonio Soler]

Loved the poem, really brought out the combinations of memory. Some good and some bad memories but all the same remembered. the ending was on point. :) pleasure reading your work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Antonio for your very generous review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ruth]

Chris, this is breathtakingly aching and I felt this deep to my bones. To remember and miss and return to a time of happiness, reverse the pain and longing to hold onto a familiar feeling once more, I not only felt this but resonate deeply with it...astounding poetry, blessings to you...

[Chris Shaw]

A lovely review from you Ruth. Thank you for your generous comments.

Chris

[Papaya]

You lock the memories in a box but you'll always hold the box and feel it's weight, for better or worse.
Solid write, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana. I appreciate your thoughts here.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Grief hovers over this one like a lingering dark cloud. The addressee is not named, but it appears to be one with whom the speaker was involved romantically long ago. Memories of the '60's well up, pleasant memories, but it ended after four years, apparently by the will of the speaker. There is regret here, seemingly an older but wiser feeling. Very imaginative imagery brings the pain home to the reader.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for your thoughtful comments. You are appreciated.

Chris

[moog-drika]

Cannot describe how much I love each and every line of the piece. Even if someone dies, memories with them never die. It gives you a bittersweet feeling just like how this write gives me. It brought back so many memories making me smile and weep at the same time.
Age always wearies me and hurts my thinking. :'(

[Chris Shaw]

Dear moog-drika thank you so much for your lovely review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Dave]

What a shame that some memories recall to us untold happiness. There are those that we wish we could hold on to forever. Then there is the reality of today - dreams are shattered and our fond memories are scattered to the four winds. Still, thankfully, we have those fond, glee filled recollections of the past, hopefully blanketing the sorrows of today. A powerful write here - Chris.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for leaving your valued thoughts. Most appreciated.

Chris