Swan Island - Last Days

(from the archives, six years ago)

i imagine this place

bedecked in winter lace

ice crystals on bark

.

ground cold and bare

the icy stare of trees

freezing to attention

.

confined to his bed

his glass reads empty

as he thirsts for life

.

i search for sun

sadly there is none

by the river, i shiver

.

i am dying in summer

from grief on an island

surrounded by swans

.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Every stanza jabs me with a deep sense of letting go . . . one minute I'm reading about losing one's grasp on memories, & your message keeps twisting into a new angle, awaiting death or mourning it later. Your statements are made with simplicity, but each line shines with depth (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Many thankd Margie. Written about four days before my brother died. I came across this in an old notebook and decided to give it an airing.

Chris

[Papaya]

Such a cold and solemn feel to this despite the warmth of summer.
Beautifully written

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ana, yes winter arrived in summer.

Chris

[...]

It's like lament and requiem at minimalistic form . Dark colors are dominating above this island . It's feels very compact and strong. Even you try to describe sun . Sun is turning into dark moon . This is not happy writing but it's very impressive. This kind of writing help us to be happy for what we have.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Martin, it was a very sad time for me. Your thoughts very much appreciated.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the third stanza is to die for..."his glass reads empty/as he thirsts for life"---

shivering in summer shows a real frost inside oneself.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jacob. Found this one in an old notebook and decided to post it.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

This sounds like an atmosphere of sadness with a possible easing coming from the sight of one natures most beautiful of birds
No pigeons allowed

[Chris Shaw]

It was a desperately sad time but nature can and does lend a soothing hand. Thanks Dave.

read moreIt was a desperately sad time but nature can and does lend a soothing hand. Thanks Dave.

Chris