Albatrosses and Heavyweights

(don't tell me you've never had any)

can you forgive

your own failures

and own those albatrosses

that hang round your neck

as a reminder of past  cringes?

can you look them

straight in the eye

without a trace of hesitation

without hiding behind

that furrowed brow

sending tramlines across

your forehead?

instead of running

in the opposite direction

can you remain rooted

can you accept responsibility

for the part you played?

can you embrace your faults

with arms open wide

casting aside all delays

square up to them 

shoulder to shoulder

stand tall?

instead of condemning others

old friends, lovers, family

anyone at all

for the small part they may

have played

can you willingly say

it's a new day

this is the way forward

hands on heart

a fresh beginning

accept you could have 

fared better, expose yourself

unclothe yourself to the eyes 

of others and ask for their

understanding

WELL CAN YOU?

Reviews

[CD Campbell]

Nope. Just kidding. Maybe? I'm so strong at certain times, especially in stressful moments, some say, but there is definitely a coward hiding underneath this skin on certain things. Good in an emergency, awful in a tangible emotional situation. I'm sure we all have flaws, but I've done my share of running. I like how you phrase this work as almost a challenge. One would say it could be a poem to self, more like a poem to us all. I think I will have to ponder your question. Phenomenal intensity.

[Chris Shaw]

You are too kind. We all have our flaws. I am well aware of mine. Thanks CD.

Chris

[Laz K.]

Uhm, I'm afraid I can't.
If I could - and I'm kind of considering the possibility almost daily - I might not write any more. That, I admit, is a kind of fear I have. It's all very messy...
The question the poem asks is very-very important. It also suggests the answer, the right course of action.
For many, I'm sure, it's like a bolt of lightning that hits them saying, "It is possible!"

[Chris Shaw]

You carry a heavy burden if you can't forgive yourself for actions in the past. However if you think that by doing so it will impact on your creativity, then I can understand your reluctance. Thank you Laz for stopping by with your thoughts.

Chris

[♔ CrownedDevil &#..]

In that moment we do right by ourselves and if anyone opposes that we immediately go into defensive mode. But over time and as we grow older we realise our mistakes and eventually own up to our mistakes and failures. I've never blamed anyone for my mistakes I've always judged myself harshly.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a thoughtful comment. I too am my worse critic :)

read moreThank you for stopping by and leaving a thoughtful comment. I too am my worse critic :)

Chris

[♔ CrownedDevil ☾]

Anytime :) We all are our own worst critic and enemy haha!

[Beccy]

Looking into the mirror of truth has always been a hard thing to do.

There is a message in this poem that rings out to every person on the planet.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Beccy. Appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[barleygirl]

It has been my long-time belief that the true business of writing doesn't begin until we can stop our nasty human habit of assigning blame & using diversionary tactics to avoid telling a story the way it went down. Once we get outside the blame game, all human foibles are simply interesting to read & write about. Your "dressing down" comes across as a well-stated comeuppance for many (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. Always good to have you stop by and share your thoughts. Have a great weekend.
read moreThank you Margie. Always good to have you stop by and share your thoughts. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

CAN I ? ...
Funny, how we humans so often assume we are are alone in our "sins."
Every day I live side-by-side with CRINGE as memories randomly assault me.
To my credit, and curse, I almost-exclusively blame myself.
...WELL, CAN I ? ...Can't promise, but I'll try :)
Thanks,
Dylan

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dylan for stopping by. None of us is perfick. We all have our albatrosses hanging round our necks. Some far heavier than others. Yes, I can admit my cringes, it doesn't happen often I might add:)

Chris

[Eilis]

Hi, Chris. This is quite a dilemma you’ve posed for us. It is never easy to face yourself and say this is me and I am flawed and I can accept that. I have begun therapy this year and am being asked to accept things that I never imagined I could acknowledge let alone accept. I am beginning to understand the importance of acceptance both of self and of situations out of our control. Your poem struck a chord for me. Being completely honest with the self is never exactly easy. You challenge us to be open and honest with things that may feel uncomfortable but I think the implication is that if we are and can be so collectively, what a burden will be lifted from our shoulders. The heavy lay of the albatross can be allowed to drift away. It’s a balm for the mind and heart. I do always enjoy your work so much. The way you present things we can all understand and with grace and beauty.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Eilis, so good to have a visit from you, with your shared thoughts. I found what you conveyed so interesting. Thank you so much. All good wishes.

Chris

[Andrew C Powell]

An "in your face" irreverence. I like it. Happiness comes from wiithin you, and to forgive is divine. Your Ire doesn't run away in your prose, and you ask simply, can someone change? Serious stuff. High eyebrow! Some cannot and some can. I surround myself with those who know the diffrerence.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andy. Yes a different type of write for me. So pleased to find you here. Have a wonderful weekend.

Cassie

[Lorry]

Pause, take a breath and look through the eyes of others at what they see in you. It only took me fmphn fmph years to get there, but yes, where once I saw flawless, blemish free me, I eventually realised I was looking into a black mirror with sunglasses on.
Perhaps I should have warned you to sit down before saying this, but my forehead now looks like the crime scene of a multi vehicle psychedelic tram crash, with lines not only running across my head, but up and down too, perhaps from hiding my head in shame by trying to suffocate myself with the pillow by lying face down on it.
Whoever would have thunk it, but I am imperfecteratedly flod.
No Chris, 'tis true! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lorry. Thanks for checking in. I have to say none of us is blemish free. We all have our imperfections. I think my tramlines could probably equal yours any day:) Appreciate the visit. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

Ooh, this is an intense one! Honest questions, but it's such a good feeling to be able to face something awful in the past, look it in the eye, and say you don't care. To someone who can't do it just yet, it feels like a worthless fantasy, but it's real! Although, it can be awfully easy to revert back into your old shell. Thank you for sharing, and I hope you're doing alright. (: Take breaks whenever you need them and take care!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Colacat. I am well and currently on the river in our boat. Beautiful it is. This poem was written months ago, but stayed in my notes for quite sometime before posting. I can't even remember what generated the lines now. Really appreciate you stopping by. Hope all is good with you. My muse is currently off on holiday too. Not a peep from her.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

That sounds absolutely beautiful. I often do that with my poetry, too! I forget about certain pieces. It was my pleasure!

[cor.empire]

I like albatross, the strength and adaptable traits.
points to ponder upon....

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by on my page.

Chris