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

[Stella Armour]

Oh, i am so sorry to hear he has passed.
Your poem says it all Chris, our hearts are grieving, not just for our own but for the all the souls this dreaful virus has so cruelly taken from us.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Stella. The enemy is powerful, but can be beaten. We have the means to do it, but there will be many more casualties.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

This is a wonderful remembrance for an awful event
It must be a terrible shock to have this situation strike so close, leaving a family in such sorrow
These are certainly very difficult times

[Chris Shaw]

The battle is in full swing. The enemy is powerful, but it can be beaten. We have the means, but it will take more time and sadly many more casualties. We are just another family who knows its pain.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I love how you begin with a more broad suffering, emptiness, pain and mourning for 400,000 US deaths , not just us, but all around the globe, the greed of one leader, chaos, death never to forget;
Then you bring it a to more personal level, your dear brother- in-law, a loving person for whom you are mourning at present; “leaves a deluge of rain”
Excellent work, Chris...peace and condolences, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

World wide and personal, the battle is in full swing. There will be many more casualties before the back of this beast is broken. Thank you dear Betty.

Chris

[Ayvid N]

Dear Chris,
Your words speak so totally of your heartbreak. This is something no family on earth should have had to go through. I fall short of words to express my deepest sympathies. May God lead you and your family through these darkest of days.

[Chris Shaw]

We are one of many. A pin prick in an ocean sky. There will be many more who die before this beast will be broken. Pin pricks hurt like hell. Thank you my friend.

Chris

[Ayvid N]

They hurt like hell indeed, my friend. I have loved ones there in UK and I know how dark it feel right now. I wish you and your family healing from the pain and peace of spirit. Stay safe..

[.]

How can i express my grief dear poet, my deepest condolence to you and your loved one.... A true poet can only describe a grief in such beautiful way... Hugs

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima for your heartfelt sympathy. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

My heart breaks as I read this....My deepest sympathies for the bereaved family....I am so sorry for your loss, dear friend Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ditzy, I thank you for your condolences on our loss. Please keep safe yourself my fav Kat.
read moreDear Ditzy, I thank you for your condolences on our loss. Please keep safe yourself my fav Kat.

Treats for you..............

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

You too, my dear friend. May God be with you and your loved ones in these troubled times. Stay Strong.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kitty kat...

[Patricia]

This made me cry, it’s so painfully sad yet beautiful. I didn’t even read the dedication until afterwards and cried more. So sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers HUGS

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Patricia, I thank you for your kindness as we grieve. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Nix is typing...]

This is such a beautifully written poem, Chris. I'm so sorry for your loss! He'll forever live on in your hearts, though.

100/100

Nix ❤️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your condolences Nix. You are appreciated.

Chris

[emmajoy]

A tragic but ~ finely written acknowledgement of Stuart. The weft and weave behind your words is more than clear. How very, very sad, Chris.

'.. our loved one is yesterday ~ where memories live.. '

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em. Yes, a very sad time for our family. Stuart was much loved.

Chris