Thought Flight

(you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your... and thank goodness for metaphors.)

i want to go to Anstey's cove

though not when storm 

clouds gather grey

i want to go to Anstey's cove

to purge some memories

set them free

i can not go when waves are high

that rise in swell to crash the 

beach, instead i'll wait till

calm sets in so rollers

anger's out of reach

tis finer on a pink sky morn

when dawn glows layered lavender

when shadows slowly disappear

with kinder hopes for him and her

i'll put those thoughts in a

paper boat, then cast them out

to float at sea, without concern

for what comes next as long

as they're away from me

as long as they're away from me

to drift upon the open waves

where many other souls have found

a sea bed makes a perfect

grave

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Chris. The sea can take and remind us. Treat her as a friend. I enjoyed the poem. I love the sea and I am far away from both Atlantic and the Pacific. I liked the tale and the way you used the description. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry for the sea.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote, the sea is a lady of moods, she can give and take. She can be a friend and a foe. I always like her best when she isn't spitting at me :)) So appreciate your response. have a great day.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Neville]

incredible ink & now of course indelible .. but then, what else is a metaphor? I ask myself .. and so oft .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

I had forgotten writing this one. I read it again through a stranger’s eyes. Did I write that, I thought. Thank you Neville for giving this one an airing.

Chris

[Neville]

it has always been a pleasure indeed, I hope it always shall be.
Neville

[Richard🖌]

Smile*
You can't change your past, memories, or coming thoughts, your dreams and desires, your wants or needs. ; )

Dear Chris,
What we can do, however, is relive our pasts with new, more mature, wiser, knowing eyes … therefore, changing their meanings, their lessons, effects, and conditionings upon our minds, spirits, and outlooks on life and what's to come … in effect, we can be reborn merely by reliving our memories, not in the way we were then, but in the more all-seeing ways we are now.
Anyway, these are some of the many aspects of that which your words touched upon in my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
I've always admired and enjoyed your style of poetry … you've a knack of allowing me to breathe and relax, while, at the same time, exciting my spirit through amazingly enthralling metaphor in beautifully vivd, living imagery.

"i'll put those thoughts in a paper boat,
then cast them out to float at sea,
without concern for what comes next
as long as they're away from me"

Sheesh! Now I ask, "Can it get any better than that?"
I can't image a more perfect title, either, Chris … I really need to read you more often! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Chris Shaw]

Hello dear Richard. Thought flight is an important part of me. I find it so therapeutic that when life becomes difficult with family illness, loss etc, that you can transport yourself to a place where the memories are happier and healing. You certainly appear to find much in these lines to contemplate. Anstey's Cove is in Devon and is a very special place where I would go with my Dad. He died at 60.We would take in the beautiful scenery, walk on the pebbled beach and take tea and scones in the cafe. I miss him a great deal, even thirty years later. This place is sacred to me, a refuge. I have written poems about it before. Thank you so much for your interest. I feel honoured that you chose this one about my Dad to call on.

Chris

[Richard🖌]

So do I, Chris 🍁

I love you both for the love you still share and keep alive in your beautiful heart, and for how your story touches mine ever-so sweetly.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, you have hit the nail on the head. He lives in me. As long as I breathe, then he still lives too. Love my Dad, Richard, always will:)

[Richard🖌]

Your words still stir me, Chris,
Same as when you first came here … your love is beautiful. 🌸

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. You've got me blushing again Richard :)

[Richard🖌]

I hope it's a nice warm blush, Chris,
You inspire a rather nice blush, yourself. ; )

[Jimmy Yetts]

To the locker of Davy Jones with our unbearable thoughts.
Burial-at-sea seems a fitting end for life-stunting concepts.
Perceptive poem, Chris, Cross The Pond.

[Chris Shaw]

One way of dealing with the garbage in life Jimmy. Thank you so much for your valued thoughts.

Chris

[Cassie]

Youve given me an idea of a paper boat, reminded me how when we were young we used to make paper boats and grass kites..

[Chris Shaw]

There you go Cassie. Reading gives you ideas. Hope your muse can play with it. Thank you dear poet.

Chris

[emmajoy]

'. to purge some memories - set them free '.. .. ' . a pink sky morn -when dawn glows layered lavender/'

Although i live in the midst of green, when life and its emotions, et al, eat into me, Chris, i make for the coast. Perhaps its the way the sea and sky blend their colours.. or the sound and scent of the air merges into deliciousness! Maybe its that sight of endless freedom ahead where yes, your paper boat and its cargo are carried off and away. Didn't mean to wax lyrical but, your words feel so familiar.

(Needed to edit; sorry, too many typos) Wishing you lovely days to order, Chris..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Em for your thoughts on my Thought Flight. A strategy for dealing with upsets I practice. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

This is lovely Chris. Moving from the images of the sea to the thoughts being cast to the waves is great. If you don't me saying, for me, the first two verses particularly flow very naturally but in verse 4 I think I might have put paper boat in line one (perhaps with a little adjustment) and then rejig the remaining lines. Please ignore Chris this if you feel it's fine I'm no expert.
I hope you are keeping positive ( no - not that positive!)
Cheers,
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Alan, always happy to listen to suggestions for improving what I write. Many thank yous for yours. Pleased you enjoyed the read and I hope you and yours are safe and well. Good to see you.

Chris

[albee]

thank you I enjoy this poem


“i'll put those thoughts in a
paper boat, then cast them out
to float at sea, without concern
for what comes next as long
as they're away from me”


The leap…the fork in the road…casting the thoughts
Those repeating and defeating words…agitated in sorrow of loss..
Cast them to the winds and seas…

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you albee. I appreciate your visit and the thoughts you shared.

Chris

[augustus]

How angry and also calm the sea can be! Respect it when using it and all will be well! Your poem is enjoyable and descriptive!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear augustus for checking in and your wise thoughts. Keep well and safe.

Chris

[Abhilash Hegde]

views at sea offers the best healing touch we all crave for. The waves, the sky, the calm views and surroundings all a pleasant way to merge unto nature and wash our worries, memories and thoughts that make us feel heavier. Sometimes seas are rough, may not be best to venture out but who knows what we may find on the other side, if we may - something beautiful may be. There's always a sunrise after the dark. Expressed very well, a smooth flowing write with emotions and thoughts. Thanks for sharing, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Abhi, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. You are so right, the ocean can be very healing. All good wishes and so appreciated is your visit.

Chris

[albee]

"tis finer on a pink sky morn
when dawn glows layered lavender
when shadows slowly disappear..."

celebration of the rainbow of being....alive...as a reproductive...animal...
lavender...the blues of the brain...pink sunrise the red... gut knowledge...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you albee. Pleased you checked in and I thank you for leaving your thoughts.

Chris