Afternoon Tea

(support mental health illness)

she sits uneasy, her tormented

expression haunted by ghosts

whose constant calls poke sharps

with their speaking in hurt ears

her once flawless skin now pallid

no sign of expected tears, a light

breeze blowing in unkempt hair,

strands caught in a dark collar

it's been many years since a genuine

smile lit up her once beautiful face,

where a trace of mischief would 

settle on a smattering of freckles

when her laughter spilled into spring

air, chuckling like a waterfall 

trickling down an English wooded 

hillside into a fresh cool stream

her long locks, the colour of ripened 

corn in farmer's fields ready for

harvest, kind eyes resembling liquid

chocolate flecked with gold leaf

and the sound of her voice, runny

like honey on buttered toast, warm

for the tasting, deliciously sweet, so

perfectly lovely, amusing and funny

for a moment i thought i heard the

rustle of her goth silk layered skirt,

sound of jangling assorted jewellery

as she twirled in black lace gloves

..........................................

no sugar for me she said as we 

shivered by the riverside cafe in the

usual signs of winter's cold calling

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

oh my God, this stanza....

her long locks, the colour of ripened
corn in farmer's fields ready for
harvest, kind eyes resembling liquid
chocolate flecked with gold leaf

all of the description in this....I was there having tea with the two of you, sorry for the intrusion.
But yes, when this happens, and there is only the shell of what once was a vibrant, sharp life.'
This is so sad...and this is one of your very best.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jacob. You would be welcome to join us for tea anytime. Thank you for such a great review.read moreThanks Jacob. You would be welcome to join us for tea anytime. Thank you for such a great review.

Chris

[barleygirl]

Such powerful writing, with popping description (mind-blowing description!) to tell a tragic everyday story . . . it happens to those not afflicted with mental illness, too. With garden variety old age, when the spark dulls and we are left to visualize this person's vivacity from a different era. I'm reminded of how we look at an old person's wrinkled expressionless face & still see a youthful spirit within (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie for your very encouraging review. Greatly appreciated.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

I hold back tears as I remember visiting my mother in the nursing home...her body still alive...her mind not so much. You have touched me deeply with this beautiful write my friend. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sharon. Sometimes we have to endure such sadness that is beyond our control. Take care dear poet.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... so like a dozen Roses .. each one representing the phases of life... feeling the spray of a waterfall and the placid calm of a Lilly Pond. We gather our rose buds while we may... charmed by sharing a Cup of Tea. Painting a picture to capture the beauty of once upon a time she twirled in a black lace gown. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

She did indeed twirl in black silk and lace and very lovely she looked as well. I remember the good times. Thank you Pat for your floral gift. I appreciated it.

Chris

[Ladysue]

Wow, you truly described this well in an extremely creative way. Beautifully captured yet sad.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sue, thank you for your thoughts. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Ladysue]

Your welcome. Have a wonderful weekend too..

[MOON]

Beautifully descriptive , words that sing and a life still beautiful in spite of its challenges , memory too ...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Moon. Keep safe and keep well. Good to see you.

Chris

[Jess]

This was like being transported to the scene. Very descriptive in the most vivid way. Beautifully done!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit Jess and for the friend request. Pleased to meet you.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Human deterioration is, to me, repulsive and profoundly sad.
You capture it all too well, Chris.
A gorgeous portrayal of genuine horror.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy for your continued support. All good things.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Beautiful descriptives
I enjoyed this
Alas we will all age and are aging
We still the same old girl boy we used to be

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie. Long time no see. Hope all is good and you are keeping safe and well.

Chris

[.]

The old the better. You described that special person so endearingly... It shows how passionate you are for that special one. Love your emotional note... Really....

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sima, she is loved for sure and I am pleased you noticed that. Many thanks for your visit.
read moreDear Sima, she is loved for sure and I am pleased you noticed that. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Intothemilkyway]

"No sugar" she is done with the sweet things in her life. Now all that's left is a bitter life just like her tea.
I especially love how you described her voice with all those many adjectives.

Well done Anne.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend for your visit and read. Many thank yous.

Chris