Footprints

(For Jahkai my grandson)

oh baby boy, oh baby boy

my love for you is flowing

the stars my darling bright at night

by day are not for showing

but you dear child such joy you bring

you reach each nook and cranny

remember this for all your years

adored you are by nanny

Reviews

[Eilis]

Something that will long be treasured by this lucky boy, I’m sure, Chris. What a lovely lullaby for a young child. I used to make up song for my kids when they were babies and they have become our own private collection of lullabies. I sometimes wonder if they will sing them to their own children someday.

I love about this that it does remind me how far love stretches and that love thrives in the simplicity of our affections. We just have to bask in the overflow of feeling. And learn to express it. I feel it here, Chris. It’s lovely.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your lovely response Eilis. Yes, as soon as I am able I will sit him on my knee and sing it to him. At the moment he is able to visit our garden, but two meters away. He can still smile for Nanny though :)

Chris

[Eilis]

Oh, that must be so hard, Chris. But a baby's smile is a wonderful gift. :)

[Chris Shaw]

A baby's smile melts your heart :))

[R.E. Ray]

Chris, I will echo what others have said about the simple beauty of this poem. However, I also see a mastery in form. Am I reading trochaic octameter? Though I can't write with form, I've been studying it. I might have this wrong, but I'm counting 64 syllables and it appears 8 in each of the eight lines. It's unusual for me to get nerdy with a poem, but something about this one told me it's more than a simple, sincere poem for your grandson. Regardless, I enjoyed this one. It's a good break from the heavier poems I've been reading tonight. And, I'm also trying to learn from others.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to provide some light relief Robert. When I started writing poetry, it was all in classical style. I got very disciplined with meter and rhyme and listened for the beat and the flow. I have an ear for it now. I have since evolved, and have got my own free style combo with a bit of rhyme thrown in. Every now and then I revert back. I just love the musicality, of classical stuff. Love so many of the old poets long gone. This was written in meter and rhyme, eight beats. Sounds as you know far more about the academic names for it than I do my friend. Thank you for calling in on this one. Most appreciated.Sounds like you are learning much. I did do two online courses about six years ago which helped more with form. I can turn out a reasonable sonnet if I put my mind to it. They sren:t easy to do though.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

Chris, I admire poets like you who not only study this craft but practice it so well. I didn't write my first poem until late 2017, and I've studied the various forms and literary devices. Still, I find most forms suffocating, and the product often seems forced and unnatural. So, I've stayed with freestyle. I suppose starting as a novelist nearly 20 years ago has influenced how I write. Still, I want to develop more as a poet and continue to experiment with the different forms.

And, I've tried to write sonnets. They were ugly things never to be seen in public. Maybe an online class would help me. Thanks much for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

If you didn't write a poem until 2017, you have done remarkably well. You take care now. I found the online classes really beneficial. Quite hard work though.

Chris

[wordman]

the love of our life,the crown on our heads

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ron. I appreciate your visit and hope all is well with you.

Chris

[wordman]

you`re welcome,,doing fine thanks

[NotUsinganymore]

Very sweet poem. Children do bring joy to most people

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee. This might be painful for you because of your experiences. Children are incredibly important to me. Sad for you, pleased you checked on. Thank you.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... I have one grandson Ethan...
he just turned seventeen in late June.
I remember when he was two years old I
babysit Ethan, my first grandchild. His
parents had a "play date" and came home
very late in the wee hours of the morning.
Ethan and I fell asleep in the "Guest Room"
of their home. When I woke in the morning,
I looked over, and there was Ethan with all
his 'baby teeth' in the sweetest smile I will ever
encounter (looking at his grandmother) as I woke up
to his charming smile. A photo embedded in my mind.
tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat thank you for sharing that treasured memory of your grandson Ethan with me. I know just how that would have melted your heart forever. Some things you never forget. Thank you dearest poet for your Thursday visit.

Chris

[Ruth]

Ah, this gave me a smile Chris, nothing so beautiful as writing a poem like this, I am sure he will cherish it and smile whenever he reads it :) I wrote a poem for my nieces and nephew too, I find this a beautiful poem of wonderfully sweet sentiments Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Can't wait Ruth to be able to bounce that wee lad on my knee and sing this to him :)) Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

A grandmother's heartfelt expression of love for and devotion to her little grandson, Jahkai.
You speak for all grandparents, Christine--and, elegantly.
Charming.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for this lovely review Jimmy. Yes I am sure all grandparents think their grandchildren are extra special like I do.

Chris

[Lorry]

And remind him every time you see him Chris. Hopefully soon, as we exit lockdown, you better be careful not to squish him in that hug 😀
And for future Jahkai, look after your Nan 😀

[Chris Shaw]

No hugs at the moment Lorry but plenty of blown kisses. Yes that day when we can hug again will be a real treat.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

They are great little thing-a-ma-jigs even as you are watching your valuables being flushed down the toilet!

[Chris Shaw]

They are indeed Dave. I have four, but three are grown up and now a little one to keep us all smiling. Seven months now.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

(......2 cute.....)

[Robert Trakofler]

Chris I just love this:) Grandkids are wonderful creatures and such a special feeling comes from them and you expressed it so very lovely!

[Chris Shaw]

Warm the cockles of your heart they do. I've got four Bunny and this is for the youngest. Thank you so much.

Chris