Dial It Down

sea stacks stand

separated from motherland

surrounded by salt water

spray spitting venom

like lost children

parted from parents

who fret in empty houses

cast asunder by blunders

far wiser to find

solutions to resolve issues

where fractures open chasms

cause heartache

only fools stoke fires

of division, burning bridges

cutting off routes to harmony

with displays of anger

words used carelessly

carve deepest wounds

scars bleed profusely

infected with poison

douse those embers

about to ignite

into roaring fiery action

flames blazing in madness

save burning bridges

tone down fits of spite

stamp out hate

before it's too late

Reviews

[Seriana]

"Save burning bridges"....how many times my mother would tell us to be careful before we burn bridges with someone.

I can feel the angst and frustration of being on both sides of much of this piece, both as an individual, group, and society as a whole. You've captured so much here to bring that message home. Tough topics sometimes, but still need reminding!

[Chris Shaw]

As you get older, you understand more the importance of bridge building. Burning your bridges and the opportunities for peaceful outcomes is imperative. Many thanks for reading my lines and sharing your thoughts. All good wishes Seriana.

Chris

[Lorry]

Well I never thought it possible Chris, but after reading your words, I am left feeling so upset at the selfish and abusive parents of the giants causeway and wondering what he!/she!/it!/other done to deserve being put on such an isolated naughty step 😊
What do you mean I've missed the point? Oh, I see! Sorry, I'll go find a more hospitable naughty step and hang my head in shame.
Hope you're all well and looking forward to the shoots of spring blossoming and maybe, just maybe actually seeing more of it live than just staring at your garden. 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Lorry. That bloomin naughty step. There:s a thought naughty steps for parents. Certainly looking forward to spring and also feeling better. Am taking antibiotics at the moment for an infection, so I have had better c
days:) Otherwise all OK and I hope same for you. Thanks for checking in.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Your words have certainly affected me dear Chris! Being a kitty, I scratch and hiss often, forgetting how much I might be hurting the hearts around me. This poem is as if speaking to me, gently, kindly without judging me but with compassion to be a better version of myself. I resolve to improve. You are always so kind and thoughtful to everyone around you.

[Chris Shaw]

Oh dear Ditzy, when I wrote this I was focusing on adolescents who are kicked out of home by their parents and relationship breakups. It happens far too often. Those youngsters often end up homeless or in much trouble. I hope you didn't dwell on these lines, not intended for my Ditzy kat, even though she can scratch at times. All cats scratch but then they are so lovable as well and I am a
cat person :) If you become too cuddly, then you won't be a Kat. I will become concerned that you are out of sorts. I think you need a double helping of treats today just to show you I luvs ya to bits.

Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Here we go xxxx
Xxxx

Yum yum

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Awwww! You my dear Chris are the best!
Thanks for such reassuring words!
I love you very very much too!
*Grabs the treats*
Many many affectionate meows and thank yous to you,my friend!

[Chris Shaw]

That will do nicely ....... :))

[Andrew Nelson Stewart]

I loved how your poem speak high volumes of catching the negative yet according to the title "dial it down" in the act of diminishing the lethal devices such as hate, division and most importantly the feeling of being lost in a sense that can lead to disastrous affects not only to the person but others around... In the line "words used carelessly
carve deepest wounds
scars bleed profusely
infected with poison." The truth is powerful throughout your poem each line correlates to each other without losing balance, what started the fire in the first place was careless acts that nonchalant attitude will not get you very far in life's treasures such as knowledge, strength, fortitude ( being courageous while your in pain to face another day) I caught subliminal messages in your verses but all leading to the main point which is the last stanza. I loved it and enjoyed the time reading. Keep writing sincerely your friend in writing and life :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Andrew for checking in and sharing your thoughts. Pleased you enjoyed the read. All good wishes.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

Very strong imagery in this piece!! We should not let anger completely take us over or there can be mass destruction of all kinds left in its wake.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so wise with your thoughts Poetic Beauty. Thank you for sharing. Yes, mass destruction. All good wishes for your visit. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[AJNJ]

The analogy of the spitfire sea will stick with me, Ms. Chris. Being quiet an emotional orphan myself, having arrogance as my failing, I've faced isolation, excommunication plenty. You take your reader with you in this poem, through all the negative consequences our actions may bring upon us and ending on a positive note with soothing wise counsel for peace and restoration. I love your gentle, insightful poetry always.

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry dear AJ if you have faced that sort of isolation. Ex communication I imagine to be so painful. Your review revealing and honest. Thank you always for your valued visits. You are appreciated.

Chris

[AYVID N]

I absolute relate to your wonderfully powerful words, my friend. I have this dark side in me, stoking fire, burning bridges, throwing everything away in a fit of fury....Killed so much, lost so much. What went wrong and when and why do I love and hate in boundless measures? And yet all the oceans of love in me cannot overcome the abyssmal wounds I cause sometimes. Thanks you for this beautiful poem today. May love and its wisdom always prevail in your life....

[Chris Shaw]

You love and hate in boundless measure because you are a woman of great passion dear DIVYA. When you love, then it is deep and when you dislike, then it is done with intensity. But you my dear have the wonderful quality of honesty and that is priceless. Thank you for your much valued review. Always look forward to your reviews because YOU are an awesome poet and your reviews are as good as your poetry. Not everyone can do that.

Chris

Chris

[AYVID N]

Its such a blessing to have you to share thoughts and poetry with, my friend. You are loved and treasured and wished untold happiness always. Thanks a lot for being here!

[Chris Shaw]

You are too kind DIVYA. Good to have you back here. When you take a break, you are missed dear friend.

[AYVID N]

Thank you, my friend.....Take care of your precious self.

[Chris Shaw]

And you too :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, this is such a good metaphor.
And yes, when we burn bridges with others we become islands out to see on our own.
Cut off from the mainland of society, hate causes that breech.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks my friend. Yes, you are absolutely right. Hate causes breeches.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Children should have Orphanages where there are Beds and prayers...
Games to play and Music to enjoy. Parents should enter a new Country the proper way...
like our Ancestors. Somewhere along the way, the Politicians were not guarding our laws...
now Criminal traffickers and Drug Lords rule the Borders... Nonetheless, the Children come first
and then the Women who care for the Children. Even Nature takes care of their own.
truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, thank you for sharing your thoughts after this read. I like where you went. Your compassion shines through.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Your Avatar is as lovely as the Evening Star when the Moon settles in dreams and lullabies. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat. What a kind thing to say :) You are appreciated.

[Dave]

Christine - such words of wisdom. If we would all heed them what a much better world we would all live in.

Very nicely written - take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

That's it Dave, we all need to take heed. Sadly not a chance. All my best to you.

Chris

[Relic]

Mother nature probably shows us all the time in her own language what we should and shouldn't avoid. Hate and anger seem to be rising to the top more often these days.

Bad news is always plentiful, and that's a shame.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. We can all learn from mother nature most of the time. All we have to do is take notice. Appreciate your visit. Keep safe and well.

Chris