Socially Distant/ Spiritually Entwined

(sign of the times, visiting mum in her nursing home, first time for six months thanks to Miss Covid)

by open french windows

they settled my mum

almost regal in her wheelchair

gave me a royal wave she did

blankets over her knees

face in partial shade

grey hair longer

in need of a style

you sit on the other side

they said, two meters

away on the veranda

on a garden chair

i bathed in summer sun

shoulders exposed

while she complained

of the cold indoors

she being deaf

couldn't hear anything

i tried to say

dismay turned to laughter

we sat their daft

as a brush that's swept away

all the stars in the heavens

by mistake

smiling and laughing

at precisely nothing

yet overjoyed to be

in each others company

Reviews

[...]

This writing have beauty but also sad moments. We can feel human emotions and desire to keep family together even is not easy thing. I like how each line at my mind. Caring sad and joy at same time. It's like to watch when our best friend leaving on long journey but we know this person will return save. Miss Covid it's very strange lady . I hope i will not met with her or any of my loved ones.

We have mother of my wife also for visit here. She live on different house . It's also about 6 months when we saw her last time. Certainly it's strange times to live right now. I hope everything goes well for you and you loved ones.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Martin, I really appreciate your thoughts. A mixture of sad and joyful, but it was great to be with my mum again. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe.

Chris

[FJ Davis]

Simply to be in the presence (relatively, near presence) of a loved one--whom we haven't seen
in far too long--is both comforting and exhilarating.
Shared blood forms an inescapable bond.
Gratifying read, Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you FJD, you have hit the nail on the head. So appreciate your continued support abd encouragement.

Chris

[Beccy]

To be denied the comfort of contact, something we have been so used to for the whole of our lives, is the underlying tragedy of this awful time.

I have a hope that despite the havoc this nasty little bug is wreaking, when we finally get through this, our minds will perhaps remain more focused on what really matters in life.

My father has a serious condition that has forced him to shield since late March and until a couple of weeks ago, the only contact we have been able to have with both him and mum has been virtual. Even when we finally visited, Charlie and I stayed outside in the garden and kept our distance and the whole thing seem almost surreal, especially as my sister and her two children visited at the same time and kept their own distances. It was so difficult because all we all wanted to do was hug each other.

Nevertheless, and like you with your mum Christine, it was a time of joy.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

It was joyful Beccy even though strange. And the killer not to be able to hug. I am so pleased you have seen your parents. Let's hope that there will be better days ahead as these times have had a huge impact to the detriment on so many. Everyone has suffered but the elderly and vulnerable moreso. Thank you for checking in and sharing. All good wishes to you and Charlie.

Chris

[Carola]

a poignant poem of the status quo.

yes, challenging times we live in, a gift from rapacious china out to financially conquer the world, no matter what.
and the dishearteningly social distancing requirements during visiting hours, make it impossible to reminisce with family about olden times or show any photos to help with their memory.
cheerio carola

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Carola, you hit the nail on the head re the photos. So sad it is. Thank you for checking in and I hope you are keeping well despite the Chinese virus doing its best to wipe us out.

Chris

[Archishman Rick]

Beautiful outpouring of sentiments, the poignance of detachment and the joy of reunion are depicted picturesquely with the grim backdrop of a pandemic.. Best wishes for your mother and you. The covid situation is bad.. this wildfire. people over here succumbing.. close by:(
Good to keep "smiling" at "precisely nothing" :) Regards.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your encouraging review. Take good care and keep safe.


Chris

[bee]

I too, visited my grandmother in her home the other day. We've had the same rules as you describe. It was weird at first but still just so good to see her again after months of not being allowed inside.
Just enjoying each other's company is a sensation generally underated in my opinion. Lovely, heartfelt piece!

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you have been able to visit your grandmother bee. Take care and keep safe. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[AJNJ]

Time takes its toll, wiping away earthly joys. Yet no words need be exchanged to communicate the love or the happiness one finds in the company of a loved one. It would be the same in any place in time. This is a special poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pestonjee, thank you for your heartwarming review. It was a very special moment for my mum and I. Will remember it always.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

The social distancing thing is a bummer but it sounds like you did have a wonderful visit which I know you were really looking to
BTW most of the covid problems in BC have taken place in group or nursing homes so your social distancing was quite likely a very good thing
did a dog, among others, miss you
take care out there
can u knit socks

[Chris Shaw]

I have never knitted socks but I am good at knitting scarves :) It was a great visit Dave thank you and yes the dog missed me muchly. Have a good weekend and thank you for your visit.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

when laughter can intrude upon the sadness, it is a good day.

the last two stanzas are brilliant, Chris.

I feel this one...different circumstances...but the distance, the parent...the wish to communicate like we used to.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Jacob. Happy you could relate to this and especially pleased you enjoyed the poem.read moreThank you dear Jacob. Happy you could relate to this and especially pleased you enjoyed the poem.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I worked for 12 years in a facility much like the one described in the poem. They can be grim places; some of the elderly people I knew there had no one to visit them. They would sit in the lobby, looking out the front door, looking for something and nothing simultaneously. So, despite the physical limitations of the mother in the poem, she is fortunate to have a caring daughter who visits her.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. My mum has been well looked after. The care staff have been marvellous. True what you say, some don't get any visitors at all and that is so sad. It was great seeing my mum again.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Very pleased you finally got to visit with your mom.
A slightly heartbreaking, deeply touching recounting.
May God protect and bless you, both.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Jimmy, I thank you for your kind review. Much appreciated.

Chris