On A Westerly There Fly I

(Today in the UK it is Mothering Sunday. This poem is dedicated to my mum, and the many like her. Only one designated visitor allowed for a visit in the near future. How cruel is that for family?)

so far away mum

so far away

where the screeching of seagulls

can be heard in the bay

pick up the phone mum

pick up the phone

i know you are there mum

sitting alone

your back to the window

in your comfy blue chair

with our photos beside you

and your hazel eyed stare

that faces the wall mum

where a framed landscape shows

the Babbacombe Downs mum

in a soft autumn glow

but still you don't answer

and my smile's out of sorts

it's turned upside down mum

i'll keep the call short

if only you'll answer

though my fear speaks to me

your memory is fading

you can't find a key

if i phone you back later

there's no telling then

and i haven't a clue mum

when i'll see you again

your care home's a fortress

while covid a curse

and the killer exposed now 

can only get worse

each time that i call you

it turns to dismay

but i'll never give up mum

that's all i can say

Reviews

[Dylan Macadham]

Hi Chris, I can sure identify with this, my Dad being in a care home during the lockdowns :(
I see him once a week now (a 75 mile drive) and read to him. Usually he's in such a sound sleep I can't wake him up, and I'm hoping he hears the rhythm of my voice.
...Your silent dismay, your anxious not-knowing, the unsettling ritual of it, is movingly palpable, and your writing and rhyming elegant as always~

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dylan for your understanding review. You too, clearly understand the frustration of having a dear one in a nursing or residential home during lockdown. And that's without the added worry of their condition and not being able to visit. Pleased you are now able to visit your Dad. . Your voice must be a comfort to him. My mum is over 200 miles away, so I am not able to see her often and her ability to speak on the phone has now gone too :( We do what we can. Thanks for checking this older poem out and giving it an airing.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Yes, we do what we can, as we glimpse our own future ...

[Rick Puetter]

Really nice. Yes, we all have such concerns for our loved ones, and again your execution is excellent.

Rick

[Chris Shaw]

So many of us experiencing these problems, I write for them all. Thank you Rick.

Chris

[Sherri Moshman Paganos]

Really nice flow to this poem, I liked the words of setting (seagulls, Babbacombe Downs) and the sounds, your use of rhyme, but most of all the emotion we feel, of you trying to reach your Mum. I can really relate, as mine has been in an independent living place where visitors were denied for almost a year -- now it's changed and opened up thankfully.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sherri for another thoughtful review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Arthur Henn]

So many peoples lives forevermore will be changed. Very challenging times.

Big Hug, Chris

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Arthur. We are living in very challenging times. So very difficult for elderly relatives and those who love them. Have only been able to see my mum outside a window. Last time I was able to hug her was fifteen months ago. Sometimes I think I may never get to do that again. Really appreciate the visit and the hug was a bonus. Thank you.

Chris

[Remanence]

It is rewarding to read of one who loves and gives proper value to a parent or elder. In my country and culture this is not the case for most elders.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit Watercress. It saddens me to hear that elders in your country and culture are not truly valued. You however, tell me that you don't share that thinking. You have a generous heart.

Chris

[PamiAnde]

Oh my goodness, incredibly moving. You choked me up. Love the repetition, the rhymes, the visuals, the meter. It flowed for me perfectly. Beautiful job. I'm so sorry about your mum.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit and lovely review. Really appreciated.

Chris

[PamiAnde]

Absolutely!

[Vertigo Cat1111]

What you wrote here is exceptionally true, and from seeing another reply, I'm ecstatic your mother has had the vaccine, that's heartwarming news! Thank you for still continuing to write beautiful, emotional pieces like these during such hard times. You always write everything with such beauty and nostalgia with a power that makes you feel like you're truly there, standing in front of that comfy blue chair, and I have to say 'soft autumn glow' is perfect. I hope you and your loved ones are staying not only safe and healthy, but happy during these times.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Colacat. All is well here and I very much hope the same for you and those you hold dear. I really appreciate your kind thoughts about this poem and I am encouraged by them.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

A very poignant poem I can truly empathize with you. It's heart breaking to keep calling your mum and not receive an answer. It's very worrisome and can be panicky. You're still wondering if she has received her Covid vaccine, which, I hear in Britain, is not going along so well. I love the rhyme and the compassionate words. It shows the love and concern you have for her.
Best, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty. It has been difficult for so many. Fortunately mum has had the vaccine. The roll out in the UK is going exceptionally well. Over half the adult population have received a first shot. However we won't be safe till everyone world wide has had it. So pleased you checked in.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Oh, then you're doing better than us in America
Good for you!!! Be safe, Betty

[Weeping willow]

Beautifully expressed as so many are going through trying times. I feel the heart of your words for your Mum as I have missed mine since 1980 when she passed away I fell apart. Lovely write.

[Chris Shaw]

At least I still have her, even though she's not fully aware of what's going on now. I know I will miss her terribly when she passes, so must be thankful for small mercies. My Dad has been gone thirty years, never been a day when I don't think about him. Thank you dear Weeping willow for your kind visit.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

This covid thing has taken a terrible toll on us in so many ways, and it can't go away soon enough. My heart aches for you and your mum.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sam, so many people are in the same position and when I see them cry on tv, I cry with them too. Old age sucks anyway, but kept apart from your nearest and dearest just makes the whole thing that much more awful.

Chris