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

[andrew mitchell]

A power write Chris, damming of our present politicians.

[Chris Shaw]

Absolutely Andrew, and a few others besides I might add. Thank you fir stopping by and sweet dreaming, you should be in the land of nod by now.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Not yet Chris only 5pm here but it’s cold and stormy.

[Chris Shaw]

Weather change here after a blistering week. Whipping up a gale. We had a storm last night. It has helped clear the air. Enjoy your evening.

[andrew mitchell]

You enjoy yours too.:)

[Chris Shaw]

9.00 am here, just getting ready for a breezy day. Thank you Andrew.

[Ted Kniffen]

Guilt is the greatest albatross ... it can render us immobile, unable to move on. Accepting blame is one thing ... coming to terms with guilt is quite another.
Coleridge knew what he was on about with the Mariner ... one careless move brings about an abundance of bad luck. Too many do not accept that they are the architects of their own misfortune.

When one stares into a mirror that smiling face hanging over one shoulder could very well be the Albatross.

Well written Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ted for your interesting response. Pleased to see you stopping by. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

All is well at the moment Chris.

[Betty Hermelee]

finger pointing and blaming reminds me of our past president; he could never let go, he will wear that albatross forever! I think accepting responsibility is the answer and that is very difficult for one to do. I believe that holding a grudge ,so to speak, is the worst thing for oneself; I would own up to my mistake, anger, blame, whatever and move on; SO, YES I CAN!!!
Best, B.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for sharing Betty. Always good to hear your thoughts.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome Chris!😊

[John the Baptist]

This one somehow put me in mind of Kipling's "If." The advice is sound, especially in this age of finger pointing and blaming. I wonder how many of us could answer the last question honestly.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. I wonder too. All good wishes.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

A good encouragement. I like the image of the albatross. I remember studying "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coleridge in a literature class. I loved it. It was quite a story about the sailor shooting the albatross and then suffering some supernatural events. Thanks for posting.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Shelley I studied The Ancient Mariner as well. Can't say I appreciated it at 14. Older and wiser we become :) I appreciate your time and visit.

Chris

[Marina]

I always found it interesting that Coleridge chose the albatross as the beast of burden that hangs around the neck; maybe just because the Rime of the Ancient Mariner was set against the backdrop of the sea; but the idiom he conceived has lived on and I am sure many of us carry such burdens around our necks. Carrying them is difficult, even more so admitting to our mistakes that placed that albatross there in the first place. I guess it just comes down to carrying that burden, learning from our errors and making sure we don't add an extra albatross or two to the load. It's a relevant theme and one you have portrayed with a finger pointing directly in our faces. 💛

[Chris Shaw]

Marina, you share some wisdom here. Learning by our mistakes is important. More so than beating ourselves up over them. Your words are appreciated. Thank you.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

I would venture to say it's a
new day but those albatrosses
have a way of hanging around
its a hard task sometimes to
go forward..i like the way you
wrote this one.

Well Done!!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fran Marie, your thoughts always appreciated. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Accepting responsibility for our faults is so tough, but even tougher is forgiving ourselves.
Seems easier to forgive others...or blame them for our shortcomings.
a telling poem, for sure.

[Chris Shaw]

We all have those faults, some will accept them and work harder others will think they don't have any at all. Thank you J. You are appreciated. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

You have written my frailties in such an eloquent and revealing way. I identify with this poem on such a deep level it actually is self defining. Yet, everyday I find myself refusing to answer these questions because of old wounds they open. So I wear the albatross a little longer knowing in readying time it shall finally be removed. I have forgiven much in my life, including myself. But it is difficult to forget. Thank you, Chris, for these beautiful words.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughtful review is much appreciated Carlos. Thank you so much for checking in and sharing.read moreYour thoughtful review is much appreciated Carlos. Thank you so much for checking in and sharing.

Chris

[Relic]

I'll bet we all have an albatross around our necks. I know I've a few. But that new beginning is always a choice if we have the conviction to head in a new direction. I think/I hope it would make the journey a little lighter.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim for sharing your thoughts. They are appreciated and welcome.

Chris