From One Coast To Another

An impromptu write as a tribute to Sir David Amess M. P for Leigh on Sea, brutally murdered yesterday. Written from Brixham and for three men murdered in Forbury Park a year ago, so close to home

down by this harbour
where old work boats gather rust
where the life style echoes simple
where there's little show or fuss

as the locals go about their day
my thoughts have drifted far away
to blades and blood in churches now
where good men die

and yet somehow
within a week or maybe two
the horror done the viscious shock
will then remind us that the clock
its hands slice through its bloodied face

on it goes it will not stop
no the violence will not stop
as I grow old I'm thankful for
the shelter given from past wars
my forebears fought yet conflict spreads

it seems it inches closer now
today my thoughts are with the dead
yes my thoughts are with the dead
upon my doorstep last year seen
and yet again the terror strikes

how once my life was brimful green
is tainted now the colours turn
my heart and soul are wretched blue
while on a church floor to the east
a stain is there it pools in red

Reviews

[M. J. Smith]

From these words, I gather that the murders happened on holy ground. That is the most heartbreaking of all. That Man would dare defile the house of God... I sense the heaviness of your heart and share it, if only for the loss of lives which fellow men should hold as sacred. For all that He has created is.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you MJS. So sad that this should occur. Really appreciating your visits.

Chris

[AYVID N]

How deeply the poet feels for the dead. A tender soul scarred by the brutality of man against man. The violence will not stop as we grow old with our despair and terror keeps turning up at our doorsteps. Yet grateful for the safety of our homes and the semblance of security. This is such a heartfelt and profound poem, dear Chris 💞

[Chris Shaw]

We live in such violent times DIVYA, it is so unlike my earlier years. Thank you so much for another review. You are so appreciated.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Its the true dark ages, dear Chris.
Darker than what they termed the Dark Ages.
You're always welcome, my friend 🙋‍♀️💕

[Laz K.]

Violence is one of those topics that baffles the mind. As far we can tell, it's always been a part of human nature, and no amount of culture, education, nor technological advancement could get rid of it. Where are the roots, what are the causes, what is its message? These are very hard questions, and your poem stands like a big question mark, or a mirror to all of us.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Laz for your thoughts. Pleased to receive them. All the best.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

This well written and obviously emotional offering struck a familiar chord with me. Many US cities have seen their murder rates climb over the past year. Every day the news carries stories of murders with multiple victims. I don't want to simplistically suggest one cause for this mindless violence, but I can't help but think the stress of the pandemic is playing itself out in instances of human rage.

[Chris Shaw]

I think you are right. This one has all the hallmarks of terrorism and is being investigated that way. Someone who probably had too much time on his hands and alone with his computer in a bedroom somewhere. Thanks for stopping by to check this one out. Happy New Year to you for the weekend.

Chris

[JE Falcon]

A beautifully written poem of sad situations.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Falcon for stopping by. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

They say Cain killed his brother with a rock, just smashed in his head and then had the nerve to ask God if he was his brother's keeper. We all ought to be guardians of our brothers and sisters. But little has changed since the time of Cain and Abel. It's a sad footnote on man's inhumanity to man but I doubt it will ever change. I like the way this is written. It has feeling and depth. Great work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. Sadly I do believe you are right. Nothing is likely to change. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, this is such a poignant write for the times we now live in. We can leave our homes but it seems that only God knows if we shall return. Such horrific events are ever before our eyes. This is a thought-provoking write. How simple and beautiful things used to be. This is an outstanding write of raw reality, written with such powerful words. Have a wonderful Sunday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mike. Another act of violence. Planned violence. An act of terrorism which devastates. Appreciate you reading.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

You are welcome, Chris. Have a wonderful Sunday. Hugs always....Mike.

[barleygirl]

You know I love storytelling poems & this one reads like a great old ode to some wayfaring warrior. I love how you're interested in all kinds of historical & cultural stories, then you translate them into epic poems (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie for your kind word. All good wishes. Happy Thursday.

Chris

[Unspoken poet]

Wow, so emotional, so sad we have to live in violent times. I just wished one and all could get along.
I think those days are gone... Well expressed....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kimmie for stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Your poem begins with a nostalgic stanza about the simple life on the docks where fishermen work. I'm wondering if that is where the murder took place. This is a touching tribute to three lives that were lost and such a beautiful contrast with the simplicity of life on the dock.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Shelley, I wrote this while on holiday looking over the harbour. The murder of an MP last week was in Kent, while the murders in my vicinity took place earlier this year. We seem to be surrounded by violence and I am finding that difficult. It was never like this in my youth. I so appreciate your visits and your thoughts. Keep safe and well dear Shelley.

Chris