Calls A Graveyard

far away in southern Devon

as the crow flies to the sea

where white crested waves are rolling

where green hills are rising gently

where thick red clay cakes the wet boot

in a graveyard lies my father

with a wish to speak to me

"close your eyes your heart will guide you

do not pine for long lost loved ones

do not wish me back to find you

with your grey eyes sadly misted

in a world i don't remember

nurture all who struggle daily

in your living family

stand beside your little sister

as you did when you were children

when her tears spilled out in sorrow

when her knees were grazed and bleeding

take her hand and lead her forward

through her darkest days of grieving

serving her, you do so me"

Reviews

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, this is, you've heard it before, such a heartfelt write. This is a poem that so easily moves the reader. An emotional write that stirs the emotions in the reader's heart. My mum and dad are both gone now and I miss them every day. They are still with me. Your wonderful poem touched me. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mike, I appreciate your thoughful review. Many thank yous for stopping by.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

You are always welcome, Chris. Have a wonderful evening. Hugs....Mike.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

this tribute was just lovely. i can hear your father's voice speaking, even though we've never met. those who remain must take care of each other. your descriptions in the earlier stanzas were also very well written and your emotions show in these lines. this is a wonderful story about finding purpose in bereavement.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this write Ern. Thank you for your kindness.

Chris

[Julian]

Oh, my!!!!! Another absolute masterpiece, the perfection of the rhythm and the crystal clarity of the imagery; the capture of emotion and the touching of the reader in heart and soul!! Another jewel to add to my library- and I must ask now, as I did of another world class writer here - have you any published books that I might find?

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Julian, thank you so much for your high praise. You have me blushing. So pleased you are going to add this poem to your library. As to published books in my own name, I have yet to venture there, but I am hopeful that it WILL happen. You are so kind to this amateur poet. I appreciate you.

[Tom]

As in life this loving, caring, compassionate father now at rest in pastures green, spiritually speaks to his dear eldest daughter, his empathetic, telepathic words do not fall on deaf ears...

Inspiring!

[Chris Shaw]

I very much appreciate your thoughtful review Tom. Many thanks, Have a great weekend.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

I believe you began with one true sentence per Hemingway’s advice and then opened a vein to see where the red trail led.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Winston and for that wonderful encouragement. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Neville]

who could not be touched by these words once read .. tho not a mournful song .. they are instead a celebration of a love conveyed .. a love stilled, yet still goes on and on .. 💜

[Chris Shaw]

You know I was a Daddy’s girl as were my sisters. I wrote this a week after my sister’s husband died from COVID and on the anniversary of my Dad’s death. He called me, the words just spilled out. Thank you fior a lovely review 💜

[Neville]

.. my pleasure Chris .. worth every drop .. Neville

[JessyJacob]

Every year you visit, and prayers are offered, the great souls are always listening to us, and protect us from every trouble. It’s great offering to your father, Chris. I have seen in Chinese culture too they lit candles and incense to the grave to offer prayers. They are equally treated to God. I have great experiences from my grandparents who watch us always around us warning and protecting in every trouble. It’s great to know that you visited Southwest.

[Chris Shaw]

Jessy sweetheart, thank you for a lovely review. All the best to you.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

I love you Chris. Thank you.

[D. Mansfield]

The emotion in this poem is so strong I could feel it.very relatable.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for this review. The poem came to me shortly after my younger suster lost her husband to COVID and on the anniversary of my Dad’s death. Have a good day.

Chris

[John]

The thick red clay cakes the wet boot. I love the physical specificity of this description, suggesting a kind of imprisonment by forces of nature as well as a counterpoint to the ghostly paternal injunctions that seek to control the actions of the living.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. The ground is heavy red clay where my Father is buried. I always remember that part of his last resting place. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Soren]

This has a haunting quality to it that speaks to all of us through our past parents. Words that I can hear them speaking and what would have been their last wish. It has a maternal, paternal feel to it and is comforting in many ways.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Soren, I appreciate your thoughts and your kind visit. All the best.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

This is a lovely if melancholy poem. You will forgive me if I say I envy you this. Who was it that said' Be glad you had them do not be sad they are no longer here? To miss them is to love them even more. This style of this reminded me so much of early historical works I can't quite put my finger on. Perhaps it was the mention of Devon that brought Hardy into my mind.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ken. These words came to me on the anniversary of my Dad’s death, a week after my younger sister lost her husband to COVID. I heard him calling me. I appreciate your lovely review.

Chris