Petals

(Work recovered from a former poetry website) Remembering our war dead.

Poppies lean towards a stream

where silver ripples gleam in sun.

A cool wind shakes their flimsy skirts

into the waters one by one.

Red sail boats launch into the deep,

"We do not sleep, we do not sleep",

I hear the sound of poignant notes

as little boats are homeward bound.

Reviews

[lightsong]

OMG! You are truly the best!! and thanks for the site for showing it on the right side so I can come and read this another gem! gorgeous, haunting and poignant dear Chirs, petals floating like gentle souls longing peace, longing home... "We do not sleep, we do not sleep" THIS will stick in my head and heart for a while.... ... ....

[Chris Shaw]

Dear lightsong, thank you so much for giving this old poem an airing. I am a firm believer in remembering those who made such a personal sacrifice in order that I have freedom today. Many had no choice, I can't forget that.

Chris

[lightsong]

I hear You dear Chris, and You absolutely gave them justice in this one.

[Chris Shaw]

That really pleases me. Thank you.:)

[Neville]

I am glad I came by here today .. a more than appropriate find on the run up to the armistice .. I am also glad you recovered or rescued these splendid words from a former website .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. Those who were sacrificed for our freedom, I hold in the highest esteem. How can you not remember them? Sadly too many have been forgotten and too many these days don’t understand what democracy means or the importance of free speech. We are being silenced.

Chris

[Neville]

..................... it will Neva happen, not on my watch

[Chris Shaw]

Nor mine. Thank goodness there are still some of us left who care enough
………

[Neville]

............................ indeed .. I'm hoping to make the Menin Gate again this Nov 11th it has been too many years since I was last there 🥀

[Chris Shaw]

Then I will be there in spirit ….

[duff]

Hypnotic nature on display. The natural escape. Let the mind wander and forget your troubles. Poetic execution. Beautifully done.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you duff. Your thoughts and visit most welcome. You are appreciated.

Chris

[adornoscousin]

I love this. Maybe your best in my opinion. There is something serene yet frantic about this. Great juxtaposition

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that very encouraging review. Written quite a while back. Really appreciate the visit.

Chris

[Lorry]

Seems a silly thing to temember, but can't help but think of the final scene in Blackadder, where the chaos of the battlefield is replaced by the field of poppies where it all took place. Such a poignant moment that caught us all out, but what a way to end it and leave the viewers humbled into silence.
The entire cast refused to do a second take of the over the top scene, saying it was far too traumatic to do again. I agree and that made the ending all the more real.
Apologiesfor reviewing Blackadder, but you started it with mentioning poppies 😀

[Chris Shaw]

You know Lorry, that Blackadder scene of the men going over the top was brilliant. Such a contrast from the silliness. The reality really set in. I think we were all staggered by the effect that had on us. Happy you should mention that after reading my poppy poem. Have a good weekend and I hope all is well over the border.

Chris

[AJNJ]

The sadness of war seeps into the very core of nature itself as I read it with such beauty in your words, dear Ms. Chris. Its cries verberate forever in these earthly realms as well as in the universe. "We do not sleep, we do not sleep", your words reach and touch us deep down, as always.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you AJ for your visit and kind words. Always good to have your footprint cross my page. Be well and keep safe.

Chris

[keith]

good gosh ... i am stunned, frozen in thought & time
i am transfixed by this offering like few i have read and seen or felt
it is blood warm ... it is in awe ... it is so real
there is a powerful force hidden not so deep that has brought forth a stirring deep from within

i am moved

[Chris Shaw]

Wow, if you are moved, then I guess I have done a reasonable job. That's what I set out to do. Thank you ABG. Have a great day and cheers for checking in.

Chris

[keith]

i don't expect lesser of you, a poet

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, you hit me blushing now :) Thanks.

[Dave]

This is so beautiful. Though not the same it reminded me of the poem "In Flanders' Fields". I thought of all those whose lives have been lost to this epidemic and those yet to go on. So many petals blowing in the wind and floating in the stream.

Take care Chris. Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. In Flanders Fields is one of my favourite poems too. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit. Take care.

Chris

[Tania Mo]

Red flowers seem full of war blood.I like this poem. Its so deep and artful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tania. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

This one made me think of "In Flanders Fields." Indeed, the cool wind of death did shake the fragile flowers into the dark waters. The red boats bear them on to Valhalla. They do not sleep because of those who continue to remember them. As I recall, the UK has a "Remembrance Day," to recall the sacrifices of those who died in WW1. It probably includes the WW2 dead, too, but I am not sure about that.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello John, thanking you for this thoughtful review. Yes our Remembrance day, includes ww2 and more recent conflict. I appreciate you checking in.

Chris