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.

[red93]

Echoes of so many of the Greats here Chris, and many good lines therein. I have family in Plymouth btw - bombed flat in WW2 and obviously still of great strategic importance with the Royal Navy in full force there. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tony. I have strong ties to South Devon and have just returned home after a week in Brixham. You are so encouraging with your reviews. Many many thanks

Chris

[no tell writer]

This is such a heartfelt write, this write touched me.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your review and stopping by.

[Laz K.]

What this poem makes me think of is that we are all linked together in a long chain of souls that reach across both sides of the veil. Another thing that comes to my mind is a quote from Prof. Dumbledore: "Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, especially those that live without love." (A big shout out to all Harry Potter fans...:))

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Laz, I love your review. It made be smile. Thank you so much :))

Chris

[Allen Smuckler]

Wow. quite the intense write, Chris... terrific use of metaphors and imagery throughout... I read it several times, and liked it more each time. I did get tripped up a little with the line "where thick red clay cakes the wet boot" ... I think it could use a comma or 2. Not sure at first read if they are red clay cakes (noun)... or red clay cakes (verb) the wet boot(s). Other than that, terrific write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Allen for your review. Cakes was intended as a verb in this particular instance and not a noun. Read that way I am happy to leave alone. Appreciate your thoughful response. All the best.

Chris

[Kerra]

such a heartfelt, emotional read. Makes me think of my loved ones that are gone already.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kerra for checking in and leaving a comment.

Chris

[Pryde Foltz]

Such beautiful and wise words. This was felt deeply for me. Thank you for writing the words:) Thank you:)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pryde for your very encouraging review.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Wow! I think this may be my favorite of all your offerings I've read.
I love this premise, and your writing is off-the-charts-elegant.
Your father's inspiration and your love of family shines through every word.
My Dad is in decline now ...not much longer ...he's been a lifelong inspiration to me and so many others :))

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry to hear your Dad is in decline, but I thank you for leaving such a warm review Dylan. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

A heartfelt poem Chris which brings back memories of a loved one….I believe in theory they can speak to you in soft whispers; my dad wrote his own epitaph and I live so far from his grave that I never get to see it and him…..a tearful loss; it seems you were close to your dad and he to you, gave you lots of love when he was alive, I had the same.
Best
B.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty, thank you for your lovely review. Yes, close to my Dad and all my family.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

That’s What is important to all of us….😊

[Davidgeo]

Never be the richest person in the graveyard. I've forgotten where I heard that saying.

[Chris Shaw]

You can't take it with you. Better to spend it. Thank you Dave.