Disenchanted

(reflecting on a once revered place and memory)

shadows fall upon meadow grass

where once from atop a hill

sol burned on rolled bales of hay

.

august baked in noon blaze heat

replete with happiness was i, from

top knot hair to bare soles of feet

.

golden moments to remember

when black crows in random rows

became musical notes of song

.

how this valley sang of summer

from gentle slopes sweeping down

to where death's stain now lingers

.

fingers will forever point to where

a blade in winter flashed cold steel

plunged in anger into tender flesh

.

perpetrators all three doomed

young lives brewing in ruin and one

adolescent mourned in disbelief

.

      grief pervades our valley

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I love so much of the language in this piece:

"when black crows in random rows"

"fingers will forever point to where
a blade in winter flashed cold steel
plunged in anger into tender flesh"

That being said, this is apparently referencing the murder of one child by three others. Such a tragedy for everyone concerned.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Linda. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Innocence can be taken away in a flash, and a place can forever be associated with an evil memory. This offering seems to be autobiographical, the recollection of an event that occurred years previously. It was apparently a gang attack that resulted in a young life being cut short. The last verse indicates the perpetrators are still doing time. We have advanced technologically, but still carry the curse of Cain.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks John. This took place in January of this year. The courts are currently dealing with the sentence. A needless loss of life and a permanent stain on our valley.

Chris

[emmajoy]

That a once loved and enjoyed place be destroyed in such an evil way casts such long shadows, Chris. Your words - the way they're laid could be the most' 'vocal' you've ever written. Seems often or not you can veil past, focus on the now.. but the power of that episode seems - not surprisingly, to have left scars. Superbly but sadly written.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, there are scars because I can no longer, while this incident which occurred in January, so fresh on my mind, can bear the thought of passing by each day where that boy breathed his last. Thank you Em for your thoughtful response and kind words.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Was an absolute tragedy, Chris. One would have to be a lump of stone to feel otherwise. Life is so cruel, death is a million times worse. .

[Mark Mendoza]

Belly yearns to sit with s.a.d (somewhere all dead things, sweet angel dancing) poem, it boils, cooks, roasts, and like ashes blow away. Selfishly I wish to take away any serious tender pain and make anew life true and joyous. Death you must be in this moment but a kiss of All saying try this now, new age, new change, where swords are used there must be samaraui who smile in honor, one writers way of displaying good grief when the world is peanuts moment to moment.
Wishing nothing but the best, happy and true in your writings your days and everything, chris shaw.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for stopping by Mark Mendoza to read my work. Your thoughts are appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… the Domino effect has left us mourning for the Souls that were silently sequestered. Our Creator never expected the
Careless endeavors of Research would destroy so much of Mankind. Our Spirit lives on and Hope is the Measure of another Day. Be blessed and well. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

"Hope is the measure of another day." Yes dear Pat, we have to live with hope. Hope that our species will put down their weapons and learn to live in harmony". Thanking you and sending you love across the waves.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Beautifully expressed for such a sad moment in life ;-

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow for your kindness. Always good when you grace my page. Take good care of yourself.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

I will and thank you my Poet friend ;-]

[Vertigo Cat1111]

What a beautiful, strong poem. It's such an intense message that needs to be spread, and I'm so sorry for the victim and the family, and the fact that such a wonderful place is tainted for you. Places that are once so beautiful, ruined by something awful are such painful things not many think about. Thirteen is so, so incredibly young. 'Grief pervades our valley'. What a strong line from such a strong poet, writing about a tragedy, trying to find a way to spread peace. Thank you for always writing such brilliant, helpful work. Stay safe and have a wonderful day.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Colacat, your responses are always so thoughtful and encouraging and help me to keep going when sometimes my pen is thinking, what the hell.

Chris

[L.E.Osborne]

I love the way you're able to weave a story and make it seems so vivid with your language. I love the message and the story behind this! x

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Pete]

very relatable. this reminds me of so many places i had fond memories of growing up but then something happens that changes the landscape forever. ugly, tragic things seem so much more powerful than pleasant innocent memories. great choice of word that "disenchanted". captures the essence perfectly. i am left saddened ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Sad that you relate Pete. . A sign of the times. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

I have often thought that we presume its safe outside the cave .. after all .. the dinosaurs are all gone .. only a few large predators remain and for the most part they want nothing to do with us .. the most dangerous of al :( your August meadow, bare feet, beating sun and school is out for summer scene is well set says I ... many memories come to mind .. your turn is dramatic .. sharpens the edge of the violence .. i am left sitting here heaving heavy sigh ... for the always so tragic, brutal and senseless waste of a life taken ... your last tercet somehow makes me think also of those three perpetrators whose lives also are changed in the same knife flashing ... there is no recompense for a murdered victim ... do you know what happened to the three?
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E, currently going through the courts. Completely senseless, one life gone and three more to be incarcerated. An area of outstanding beauty now has a stain
on its character. It will forever be the place wrecked by violence. Many thanks.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

:( .............................