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 ...

[adornoscousin]

Yea...there is a longing and desperation here but also defiance to not give in. For me at least, the last line reframes the whole poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for checking in. All the best.

Chris

[Pryde Foltz]

I feel for you and your condition. Humans do what they can to extend life but I ask we stealing too much love and connection to pay for it. I hope you see your mum and soon.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pryde. I appreciate your visit and thoughts.

Chris

[Patricia]

A piece of me just died, this is heartbreakingly beautiful. After losing my mom recently this hits home. You are a gifted writer

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Patricia. Straight from the heart this was. So upsetting, but it is so for many and you losing your own mum, even more so. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

certainly the care home situation has been very difficult, not just there but also here and probably elsewhere
It looks as though vaccines will soon have these different issues becoming easier to deal with,
Hope things improve for you
This is a well written reflection of the concern and frustration

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. A source of upset and frustration for so many at the moment. All the best.
read moreThank you Dave. A source of upset and frustration for so many at the moment. All the best.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - this is so sad. The obvious longing to make contact, in some form with someone, a loved one when for so many reasons it can't be done. I hope and pray that this is not true for you and yours.
Take care - Dave I got my first shot last Saturday, the next is Easter Monday.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave, good to hear you have had your first shot. Many thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Unspoken poet]

sad write, that tugs, this write brings back some memories for me.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Unspoken. Good to have you visit. Sorry if my lines evoked sad memories.

Chris

[Unspoken poet]

it's okay, some memories are good too.

[emmajoy]

Sad as hell can make truth be for many. BUT .. your words feel deeply personal .. forgive, can only read them the once. Beautiful sadness, Chris.

' if only you'll answer ~ though my fear speaks to me ~ your memory fading ~ you can't find a key.. '

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Em and thank you for checking in. My reality is shared by many in these awful times. It's sad enough not being able to visit, but more often than not, it can be so difficult to make contact by phone as well. Have a lovely day. Chilly here, but at least it is bright.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Your words brought back quite long ago memories.

Bright here too but dogs and I still shivering from our three hours; ago walk. Huddling the rad and a mug as I word. Keep safe, be happy when can. Keep safe.

[Chris Shaw]

You too Em. It is getting colder. Hot drink needed :)

[.]

How painful it is even to read! Parents are priceless and living under their shadow all we want, but if it is otherwise? The strength that was once our guiding force if we have to see them in diminishing light, ... It's unbearable! Yes, only a voice or at least a faint assurance from them can make us happy... At that stage ITs the only thing that can comfort us.... It's a very touchy write...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima for sharing your thoughts and also for your unwavering support of my efforts. All good wishes.

Chris

[.]

It was entirely my pleasure to read you...

[John the Baptist]

The plaintive tone and haunting imagery in this one aroused personal memories for me, because I worked for years in a long term care facility and saw many people in the situation depicted. Seeing a beloved parent's faculties being steadily diminished by dementia is a terribly painful experience made worse by the feeling of helplessness that accompanies it. In the end, you can only do what you can do and take care of yourself in the bargain.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for giving my words consideration. You obviously have plenty of experience of the whole subject matter. Alwats a pleasure to have your thoughts.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

I know too well these feelings when Mom was living her last days in a nursing home. The most painful thing I lived through was the first time I visited her and she didn't know who I was. Your words speak to my hear my dear. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sharon, my heart reaches out to you. What a painful experience that must have been. Thank you fir sharing your thoughts here my friend. All good wishes.

Chris