A Twist of Fate

blown by warm breath from an

upturned palm to gently descend

into fast moving waters

from atop a rickety bridge

red rose petals fall on a cold day

to float hurriedly away

caught in a swirling current

they do not hesitate as their

fate is already known

they do not linger, they do not

tarry, for they are carried 

downstream on a sudden flurry

of windswept leaves

a golden handshake from an 

understanding nearby tree 

a trail of silent sighs

of dreams with invisible seams

of luke warm memories

Reviews

[Andrew John]

Petals fall. Leaves fall, too. We get that in the fall. Calendar-wise that season begins in two days' time here in the UK. Thanks for a picturesque parade of words, Chris. I feel not so much going downstream emotionally when I read good poetry. More of a lift.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. If these lines gave you a lift, then I am delighted. I appreciate your visit. Have a great week-end.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Such an unfortunate fate for such a lovely thing
But sometimes, that's the way things are
easy come, easy go
a petal in the hand is worth 10 carried downstream
a rose and its petal are easily parted
tomorrow will be another day
and I hope you enjoy yours

[Chris Shaw]

What a beautiful pattern of thoughts. Thank you Dave. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved how you made the words danced and the reader think and ponder. A twist of fate, I do believe we shall know often. They, who believe they control all things. Will falter to their own dreams. Hello dear Chris and thank you for sharing your amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Coyote for your lovely review. Take good care of yourself.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You stay safe dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

I guess fate has its twists and turns. It can go downhill or uphill, downstream or upstream. Things linger on cold days, rainy days. We sure have those silent worries and silent cries. Knowledge of fate is so important. An excellent poem with deep meanings.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami. Really appreciate your thoughts and your visit to this page. All the best.
read moreThank you Sami. Really appreciate your thoughts and your visit to this page. All the best.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Chris....

[T.S. Ulmus]

A lovely metaphor for life, we are dropped into the swirling eddies and Rush downstream only to be caught at some point and turned back into mulch. I recoiled at the line about fate being inevitable, like every swirl and dunk in this River were scripted, but upon further reading I realize that the Fate is inevitable, we all turn to mulch eventually don't we.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you TS for the visit. Sadly you are right. We all share the inevitable. No escape from that. Good to have your thoughts.

Chris

[Audie G. Couch]

Hi, Christine
I enjoyed your poem, and your use of nature in it.
Keep it up. =-)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Audie. Your visit most welcome.

Chris

[barleygirl]

As I read this, I pictured how the years flow by in a tumble, meanwhile I barely recognize the forward movement during my up-close-and-focused days. I love your dynamic imagery to represent all the ways we get swept away. Here's hoping your holidays don't sweep on by without rewarding you with a few of your most longed-for visits (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. Certainly looking forward to seeing some family over Christmas, when we are allowed a short reprieve before restrictions are imposed again. Appreciating you and your visits here. All good wishes across the waves.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Another gem Chris , I travelled on your flow of words, what a journey. Impressive write and so perfectly and poetically written. You have risen the bar on your writes Chris I think mine are very much wayward on a crash course in comparison. lol.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your very generous review Andrew. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

Really touched my heart. Good poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Your visit most appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... I am preparing my mind and body to
tackle the Snow this Christmas. Last year I called a friend
who lives close by to clear our driveway to drive Roger to dialysis.
This year our friend has Arthritis and so do I myself. Where are the
"Helpful Elves" in the neighborhood. The young people are too busy
to even make money... as in the 'good 'ol days'. Wish I had a Horse and Sleigh ...
and a live-in Gardner to Drive it ... and Mow our Lawn in the Summer and tend to the
Garden. Alas... I am not Rich enough for that. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, I am hoping that the young people in your area who are too busy to make money can find some time to turn into elves and help their dear neighbours. Shovelling snow is a mammoth task for anyone suffering from arthritis. My own husband has it in his ankles and I know how debilitating it can be. Sending you much love across the pond to melt that wretched snow.

Chris