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.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"and by a sleep to say we end the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to—’tis a consummation devoutly to be wished! To die, to sleep..." The Bard knew all too well. But still we claw, fight and struggle to live in the extremity of these days. This dramatic, heart-rending poem is as real and assaulting as the current situation is Chris. A thousand shocks each and every day now. But still, the blackbird sings - it sings of hope! Thought-provoking, poignant, poem. Brava.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Annette for your Shakespeare quote and your thoughtful response. Thank goodness the blackbird still sings.

Chris

[Gee]

That's so sad Christine, I just want to shut my eyes and never wake up.
Makes us appreciate our health service no matter how much bad press it gets.
As they say in Flitwick " it's pissing down"
I'm in a place called Heatcham (in Norfolk) and will shortly be heading to the shore to walk the younger of the two pooches
Hope you are well.
Thank you

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Gee. Yes, it is pouring here as well. Enjoy your break as much as you can. Forecast is better for later on today. Our NHS is truly amazing when you look at what happens elsewhere. We know we can expect good care over here. We don:t have the worries about insurance cover to determine what help we will get. Sad, sad situation for many. Thank you for checking in. I bet your pooches are enjoying the break too.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Those grey days can wear on the soul. I think what this pandemic has shown is there are those who can cope with determination and those who can't. It would appear that Andy is one who perseveres even though there are times where that i damn near impossible.
Much like your NHS ... and a big shout out to Sir Tom Moore ... the world could use many more like him ... we have a form of universal health care that will help with most medical issues.

We can offer prayers for your friend, that he recovers from his illness.

Take care

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ted. Yes, he has an inner resilience. I think others may well have given up by now. Pleased you have a universal health care plan. Thank you for mentioning the NHS and Sir Tom Moore, both amazing in theur own way. Another thank you fir checking in. Have a great Sunday.

Chris

[barleygirl]

WOW! This is a stunning piece of caring! I have never seen another written piece that expresses this depth of compassion for what another is going thru, related to these pandemic times. You really made us FEEL IT! I admit, I don't think about this very often becuz I'm totally insulated from its impact, so when you can break thru my thick fog of divine cluelessness, you've really done something. I love what this shows about your subject, but also about the narrator -- both expressed with such poignant feeling (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Margie. That is one fabulous review you have just left me. Compassion costs nothing and should be used far more in my opinion. I really appreciate everything I have in life. And when I look at others I can't help feeling some of them have had a really rough deal. That alwats gets through. Have a lovely Sunday.

Chris

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

Wow such an uplifting compassionate motivating poem to your friend that is battling storms , and it can inspire all to poetry and positive thoughts. It's a beautiful poem, and the creative depiction of willows tresses in figurative just ahhed and oohed me wowed my poetic heart. Kudos for a fab poem, nice to see you writing away , take care and warmest greetings from over here.

plz pleez do read and comment my newest poem too.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Zay Zay, a treat to have a visit from you friend. Thank you for your very enthusiastic review. Of course I will pay you a return visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A emotional ride in your words.
"you send your love
across the waves
and I say to you
keep Hamlet close
and poetry even closer"
I do like the above lines. People, so far away. I believe, would be nice to share coffee and talk again. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for your kind review. I am hoping his health improves. He is struggling at the moment.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I will put in my prayers dear Chris. I hope he is feeling better. You are welcome.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Coyote.

[Lydia Shutter]

The compassion in your words is so touching, Chris. In today's world, insurance is often the be all and end all when it comes to health care. If insurance will pay, you get the test that might figure out what will save you. Then if insurance will pay for that, you might get it. Obviously you have a friend who is going through this. May he or she not suffer and have the best outcome possible. Beautifully written. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi** for your kind review. Really.makes me appreciate our amazing NHS.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Such a beautiful write my friend. I love it. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

So nice to have a visit from you Sharon. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

I hope he gets your message because every ray of hope is a blessing

[Chris Shaw]

He needs all the help he can get Dave. Makes me appreciate our amazing NHS. Many thanks.
read moreHe needs all the help he can get Dave. Makes me appreciate our amazing NHS. Many thanks.

Chris

[Papaya]

Beautiful poem for your friend, Chris.
I hope he gets well soon.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana for your good wishes. He has certainly got an uphill climb at the moment.

read moreThank you Ana for your good wishes. He has certainly got an uphill climb at the moment.

Chris