Even On Grey Days

(for Andy,)

even on a grey morning
as river still sleeps
while graceful willows
dip their tresses
into silent water

while the view is devoid
of colour, listen
a blackbird sings for you
a song of hope
notes from that tiny throat
telling you life is worth
living

I think of you
in your Texan bed for
eight months weathering
riding the storms back
on so many fronts

in the care of professionals
who check your insurance
before contemplating
their next move

you tell me of suffering
you have seen on a scale
that can't be measured
how you have contemplated
your own demise

how my dear friend
you are waging a battle
but still say to me
it is better to be
than not to be

you send your love
across the waves
and I say to you
keep Hamlet close
and poetry even closer

Reviews

[Lorry]

Those moments of beauty and light can be so well hidden to a darkened mind that ot takes a feat of such strength to hear, see and feel them amongst our senseless senses that it feels like it would be easier to show a blind person what turquoise is, or figure out which way is up in space.
But even though it sounds loke something a trainee motivational guru would say, hopelesness can't exist without hope.
Yet your checking the insurance line tells us so much more about how it isn't only physical pain that can take us there Chris, but the feeling that we are alone in seeing the insanity the world has become, where pieces of paper have more importance than life itself.
Leaves me with the feeling that the world should hit the reset button and start again from scratch.
Once more, with feeling springs to mind.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lorry. It grieves me that he may not be getting the best quality of care because of bloody insurance. Doesn't it really make you appreciate our NHS? He needs all the help he can get at the moment I just hope he can hang on in there. He has been very ill before. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for your response. He is a nature lover and a poet I've known for years.

Chris

[Lorry]

Hope things work out for him. Too many fall through the cracks in a system whose only compassion seems to be to making as much profit as possible for stakeholders so detached from the reality of what people need to go through, who are met with that exact reaction when they need help the most.
The more I here of other first world health services, the more I appreciate ours.
And remember, up here we get all prescriptions free too. Makes you wonder how we can manage it without added taxation and how other advanced countries can't, or won't.

[Chris Shaw]

I agree, the NHS is a national treasure. Something we should all be really proud of. Treatment regardless of your bank balance. Ensures that the poorest and most vulnerable at least have one worry removed from their lot.

[Neville]

..........I leave but a small mark here with much respect for all those however close, or peripherally involved in the making of Even on Grey Days .. and tho written quite some time ago .. these words still mean a great deal .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Neville. This poem for Andy, my poetry friend of many, many years. (Fifteen, I think) He told me my poetry kept him going through a long illness and subsequent limb amputation. He is a survivor. It was nice to know I could help him in a small way. I appreciate you bringing my words back to life.

Chris

[Beccy]

There are those who have the most amazing inner resilience; a life force to be reckoned with if you will; and your friend sounds as if he has that in abundance.

'It is better to be, than not to be,' Indeed it is, and I can only say, that long may your friend continue to hear the blackbird's song.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Beccy. He has huge inner resilience, as does my mum who soldiers on when all appears lost. I am pretty sure my mum gets it from living in London through the blitz. Not sure where Andy gets his from. Maybe because he has Buddhist beliefs.

Thank you, hope you and your boy are well.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

This is a tale of utmost suffering; someone who has been battling for months to stay alive...for what??
Some people just can't give up gracefully; they want more Meds, pokes, etc. I don't think anyone can change a mind that's already made up. I really like the "Hamlet" stuff thrown in there. Nice Write.
Fondly Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty. Some people have huge inner resilience when the chips are down. He loves his family, he wants to live for them. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I completely understand, went through this with my mother, very sad

[kitty]

Taken to the banks of the river Avon where peace reigned supreme. The first two verses transported me there where memories are still fresh!.The following verses brings other relateable memories to the fore. ..to my family in Texas. Thank you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kitty, especially as you can relate. And because you have family in Texas. Really appreciate all the lovely reviews I have had from you.

Chris

[kitty]

My pleasure. Just finished a Zoom meeting. Project in hand.Stay safe

[adornoscousin]

This is great! The line about the insurance company is so spot on. The opening is sad but beautiful. I love grey skies...they are sad and magical. Well done poem.

[Chris Shaw]

So appreciate you checking in adornoscousin. Many thanks.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very beautiful poem about hidden joy and happiness. My friend once told me happiness is like glass, sometimes you can see it and sometimes you can't.

[Chris Shaw]

You have a wise friend JungLee. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Thank you for your comment

[Derekv]

Beautiful piece, Chris. We need more voices like yours in the world, especially during times like these. I hope your friend is able to recover, and I wish you all the best.

-Derekv

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Derekv. I truly appreciate your encouraging review. All good wishes.

Chris

[FJ Davis]

Your friend required a bit of uplifting.
You, Chris, have delivered--and, then some.
A study in master psychology.

[Chris Shaw]

You are too kind. Thank you so much for your visit. All good wishes.

Chrid

[Troy Henson]

Emotional and beautiful write. Thank you for sharing and all positive thoughts and good will coming your way from Australia :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Troy for your thoughtful review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

Doctors can do so much they can only do so much

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for checking in Kent. All the best.

Chris