Never A Statistic

In loving memory of Stuart Beattie Cullen, my brotherin-law husband to Wendy, father to Jamie and Iain 22.11.53 - 17.1.2021

no more winters

no more summers

no trumpet fanfare

nor mourning drummers

.

stand pay attention

to each nation's numbers

those who have succumbed

those who are encumbered

.

another notch on a bully belt

nicked by a fat covid snatcher

.

we are rocked

though we don't roll

we are empty of heart and soul

we are numbed by the speed

by sheer greed of a callous taker

a shaker of spirits

.

whose parched thirst is unslaked

whose belly remains unfilled

who cares not of lives taken

nor of tears in sadness spilled

.

our loved one is yesterday

where memories live

grief is for today

grief is lost tomorrows

.

while pain

a price paid for loving

leaves a deluge of rain

.

splattered drop sorrows

on stain red cheeks

from hollow eyes

Reviews

[h d e rushin]

since there is no logical parallel to what the world is experiencing, we have to turn to the poets to try and make sense of this. All of this. God commands this shelter from pain perhaps; this metaphoric proposition that not only occupies our grief but rolls back the stone of uncertainty if the angels are too busy.....dana

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dana for sharing your thoughts. A welcome visit from you. All the best.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Yes dear Chris. The coronavirus took from us so much. I lost my father 29 January 2020 to her. My daughter, the nurse. Had the virus twice. I wish for normal days. Poor grandchildren are locked in the house. In the Spring, Summer and Fall. We could escape to the many lakes and forest near. Winter make the days slower and harder. I hope you are doing well and stay safe my dear friend.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Staying safe Coyote. Two grandchildren live with us, so we have company. Conversation is important. The days are cold, so we are looking forward to spring when we can spend more time outside. So sorry about you Dad and your daughter has had a bad time too. I expect your grandchildren miss the outside freedom. Take care and keep safe.
Let's hope the vaccine roll out will bring some normality back in the near future.

Chris.

[Coyote Poetry]

I hope so dear Chris. The grandchildren and I. We have great plans for some fieldtrips. Have some fun and stay safe.

[MCS]

the numbers are overwhelming
the loss is staggering
its just been too much
we will never be the same after this experience

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are and then you remember there are those who believe it is no worse than a dose of flu and you despair. Many thanks MCS for your visit. Keep safe.

Chris

[Relic]

There will be many more deaths and broken hearts before it's done scorching a path across the world. Life is not always fair. It's often cruel.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim and you are right life is unfair. It has always been and always will be. The beast has yet to be broken.

Chris

[darshu]

Powerful poem 🙏..your poems are awesome ma'am..your poems give amazing message.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you darshu. Your review much appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... a powerful poem of leaving earth where mourning is felt in so many homes.
The moon will still shine in the heavens where stars will reminisce and gather the memories of those lost. The vaccine is being prepared and millions will be prepared. A healing potion across Oceans. Be Brave... Be Well.. Amen

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, the vaccine is the way out of this. It will take time though. Many thank yous.

read moreDear Pat, the vaccine is the way out of this. It will take time though. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Cassie]

ohh so sorry for your loss dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you lovely Cassie of the smiling face. Be safe, take care.

Chris

[Gee]

Good morning Christine, so sorry to read of your loss.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you all.
Take care :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee. Really appreciate your visit.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

My condolences. The pain comes through piercingly in this offering. Yes, the beast's belly does remain unfilled, and the end is not yet. I heard today that the US death total for covid is now greater than that for its combat deaths in WW2. Yet we will endure until the beast is dead.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. The beast will die for sure, but he is not finished yet by a long way and will break many more hearts.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the virus is winning...and it has us mentally and emotionally worn down...taking the fight out of us.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

We have the weapons to kill it, we just need to apply them with intelligence.

[Miss Sharon]

You have captured the "broken" feeling of our country...and the world for that matter. (we are empty of heart and soul) How I have felt this. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

We can survive the battleground and we will, but it will take time. Thank you dear Sharon. Keep safe and well.

Chris