On The Grapevine

(for Tony)

song of old friendships

remembered in the lambent flame

of a scented candle

i call your name

as the blues creep in

too late for the funeral

but not to grieve

farewell my friend

bon voyage

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the blues, the scented candle...for me the sound of the guitar...
the loss of special friends, that starts reminding us of our own mortality...and that we too have a passage booked on that voyage, sooner or later.
and we continue to grieve long after our friends are gone.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

So true Jacob, with another friend passing it does remind us of our own mortality. We all have to make that journey. Rather later than sooner. Thank goodness for memories.

Chris

[johnwick7057]

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[Lorry]

And my new word for today is lambent. I like it. I've even written it down on my wall of post-it possibilities. You know, the place that starts as a single yellow square next to the phone, but before you know it, it has grown up the wall, hiding mirrors and rustling in the night, keeping you on your toes, wondering if it is now a living compendium of words, or an intricate boogie man detector.
No! Just me then? 😀
Beautifully penned words on those goodbyes you didn't get to speak and the echoes people leave brings.
So sad in needing to be written, yey beautiful that it was.

[Chris Shaw]

Ah, you have a fetish for post-it's. I do confess that once upon a time I did too. Yes, lambent has a nice light to it don't you think Lorry? Thank you for visiting these solemn words about the passing of an old friend.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Sadness creeps in beside the way life changes, bringing us to pain as we never understand total loss of a loved one or friend ;- Memories will carry the heart through.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow. Loss is never easy to deal with. All good wishes.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Lovely, lyrical tribute.
Have never tasted the sweetness in the sweet sorrow of goodbyes.
There is, however, sweet remembrance.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Sweet grief I think may be easier to deal with. Your lovely response is fully appreciated.

Chris

[LJ]

To me, it sometimes seems like when we turn a certain age, become more "senior," we often get news of friends, lovers, family, passing away. I think you're lucky you can express what you felt and did in response to such news. You wrote a fine elegy; it's brief, concise and on point. I can picture you in the glow of candlelight and also further in, to your mind while you wrote these words. That's a gift and no denying it. Thanks for sharing it!

[Chris Shaw]

We must be on the same wave length. I have just reviewed you. Thank you so much for leaving this encouraging response. It is greatly appreciated. Yes, once we reach a certain age, the news of passings comes more frequently. Not something I had to deal with as a younger person. Then, no one died.

Chris

[LJ]

Haha - I guess we are. Haven't found your review yet. Hmm. But I think it's a marvelous to say about how "no one died" in your youth. I wish I could say the same.

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry you had to deal with the grim reaper in your early years. That is tough. I just checked to make sure my review of your Babysteps poem hadn't got lost in cyber space. It is there:)

[Fran Marie]

we shall always
remember our dear
ones ..the mourning
the tears the grief of
losing them is so
Overwhelming..

death will arrive
for us all..there's
no escaping the
Inevitable..

[pinhead07]

Wonderfully written. We never really stop grieving for those that were close to us. It’s always a shock that they’re gone. That’s reality, isn’t it? We shall all depart this world. Reminded me of my neighbor who died recently. It was so unexpected. Death can really sneak up on one.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks pinhead for your thoughtful response. Much appreciated. Sorry about your neighbour.
read moreMany thanks pinhead for your thoughtful response. Much appreciated. Sorry about your neighbour.

Chris

[pinhead07]

My pleasure! :)))

[AJNJ]

Never too late to grieve, my friend...and he'll be seen in the beauty of everything such as that lambent flame of a scented candle and heard in every joyful laughter that rings across your living room. Remembered with tears in our eyes and a smile on our face and deep love in our hearts. For such are the most treasured memories. Kudos on this beautifully penned tribute, Ms. Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Pestonjee, your thoiughts here are truly appreciated. Many thank yous.

Chris

[AJNJ]

I love reviewing your work. Its always so beautiful. Its my pleasure always.

[Papaya]

Such a gentle and beautiful farewell.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ana for your warm comment.

Chris

[Papaya]

You are welcome, Chris.
Hope you are well.

[Chris Shaw]

All good Ana, hope the same for you :)

[Papaya]

I am well. Thank you. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I lost my father in January. We couldn't have a memorial service. I went to the near river and I burn some sage for him. Your words are true. We can say our goodbye where the place the person loved the most. Honest and good words shared dear Chris.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

I am sorry for the loss of your Father my friend. I agree you don't need a funeral to say your goodbyes. I appreciate your kind response.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Was hard days dear Chris and thank you for the kind words.

[Chris Shaw]

Very hard for you my friend, and very early days yet. May you find some solace while you grieve.