Blue Eyes, Blue Eggs, Lost Love

(Diamonds and Rust) Joan Baez, Bob Dylan romance

joannie struck a chord

sang the saddest of songs

of a revisiting ghost

when the moon was full

she sang about bobbie

in soulful soprano voice

diamonds and rust, lost love

a haunting of sorts

she sang that his blue eyes

were bluer than robins eggs

i remember those eyes

knew it to be true

and though i had never seen

a robin's egg, one was hidden

for sure in a nest in the ivy

outside our back door

for the robin  diligently

entered with juicy grubs 

when it was safe to do so

when no one was looking

until one morning i found

on the unforgiving ground

a fledgling, pathetic

cold in its half made vest

i watched the distress

of the returning bird

heard its anguish

saw it take off for good

my thoughts caught joannie

was she pushed from the nest

or did she fly away

of her own accord

Reviews

[lightsong]

soulful, heartwarming and sad... your words flow like a song dear Chris, I don't know details about Joan and Dylan but from your poem I feel as they did love each others but couldn't always stay together, more like loving the state of their love rather than loving each others closely.

[Chris Shaw]

They certainly did love each other and they made wonderful music together and apart. Thank you lightsong for checking this old poem out.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I sang this song at least 1000 times, playing that beautiful guitar lick between verses, & the blue-eyes line was always my favorite, too. I emulated Joan to the nth degree from age 12 onward. I love how you start by being fully anchored in the lyrics & the backstory of this song, but then your rendering of this story takes flight & you bring this into your own realm which is an altogether different vibe & it really makes the poem. This is one of your best, by far! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Aw Margie, I can imagine you as a youngster wanting to be like Joan. I love that song as well, so much. Pleased you enjoyed the read and I thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Chris

[...]

When some relationship end . There is also beging of new freedom. When no long anyone have influence on our universe and we can be free at our own choice. That's luxury of gods and goddess. Your poem speaks in clear symbols of human soul. It's great journey to experienced at your words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Martin for your lovely review. I always find your thoughts so interesting. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

nature is harsh for its own good but it is heartbreaking to see any of her babies left in distress

[Chris Shaw]

I agree with you Dave. It is nature's way, but it doesn't make it any easier on us. Many thank yous.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think it was a combination of both...they were certainly an item for awhile...and definitely inspired each other greatly...
I am such a Dylan fan, but I loved Baez as well...and she sang some of his songs much better than he.
Especially "With God on our Side"---her live version from 1966 is such a classic.
I like this poem so much....it takes me back to the sixties...

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Jacob, so pleased you like this one. I love them both. Her voice is as clear as crystal, makes me shiver at times. And God On Our Side, I know well. Pleased to bring you some sixties nostalgia. I was in need of it myself. Loved the freedom of those days.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

For some reason, this brought to mind, "Blue Eggs and Spam."
My apologies, Chris, to both you and Dr. S.
While I cannot come close to answering the question it poses,
it is a lovely, meaningful poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Blue eggs and spam made made me smile Jimmy. I've heard of green eggs and ham. No need to apologise to me. As for Dr. S. keep well away from shrinks. They are madder than anyone. Pleased you enjoyed the read and thanks for the visit.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Birds have the same degree of sentimentality as the Spartans did. If a fledgling is sick, out it goes. Like the way you've used a real event as a symbol of the Dylan-Baez relationship. According to a documentary I saw recently, Baez wanted to continue to do the political/protest music, whereas Dylan was more into other areas. It takes two to tango.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks John. It did cross my mind that one of the parents may have pushed it, but couldn't be sure. The returning bird was so distressed. Appreciate your wisdom always.

Chris

[adornoscousin]

I love the confluence here between the author and yourself. I also love the nod to liberation in the last line. It is traumatic to leave our comfort but sometimes we have to do it.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for dropping in and sharing your thoughts. Greatly appreciated adornoscousin.
read moreMany thanks for dropping in and sharing your thoughts. Greatly appreciated adornoscousin.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

I remember that song....the good ole folk music we listened to and identified with....it was wonderful. Baez and Dylan were such great artists. Their words hit home with a lot of us. If it was their romance that spawned some of the songs, then it is was all worth it. Your words are so beautifully written, Chris. Life is bittersweet, but it is life....and that is what matters. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi** for your thoughtful review. They did make some great music both individually and together. I have very fond memories of those times.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... I shall never read a more bittersweet Poem as long as I live... the
Grief of a Mother returning to an empty nest...
her tears falling on her Breast.. to fly away with no plans for tomorrow but to weep in the branches of the Willow. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, the fledgling cold in my palm and the subsequent return of mother, was wretched. Nature and our own journey have many similarities. Thank you so much for your beautiful response.

Chris