Miles Sans Smiles

(when you can't be where you want to be)

in thought flight

i wing westwards

where a cold cruel sea

tirelessly wears me down

in your winter's discontent

how lengthy it has been

how distant your warm smile

that broke ranks from your

much pined countenance

i watch as you breathe

gently into night's quiet

as a rose tinted light

glows softly from a lamp

as shadows are cast

in this far away room

my gloom dissipates

when i see you at rest

the rise and fall of your chest

your skin no longer etched

with unknown anxieties

causing torture

you are at peace

in sleep's embrace

a temporary release perhaps

no trace of fear to haunt

lid covered eyes

no cries as the familiar

turns into a stranger

i leave you with a brow kiss

and a heartfelt plea

don't miss me mum

as much as i miss you

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

Chris, you have genuine talent. I know a problem I have (because I'm old and heard too much metric and/or rhyming in school) is being too literal. Your first two lines reminded me of my own difficulties. "in thought flight, i wing westwards"

From the poems I've read in literary journals, the thought you express often is put more like this: thought flying, on westward wing....cold cruel sea pounding tirelessly....I am broken...blah, blah, blah.

I'm not suggesting this for your poem, but wondering if you see in yourself the same kind of problem I find in my work?

There is literal and then there is suggestion - and then there is poetry. I don't know where I fall on that continuum but too close to literal, for sure.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit. To be honest, I go with the muse. If it comes out literal, then that's the way the cookie crumbles. Some of my stuff is truly poetic, some of it a mix of both. I guess it depends on my mood at the time and what I'm thinking about. I'm not seeking perfection or fame, I just write. Sometimes I make a consciousv effort to stay away from the first person, but if I've got something to say, it is difficult to stifle how it comes out. Thank you for stopping by with your thoughts. Your visit welcome and appreciated.

Chris

[.]

I feel we all can relate to this poem, dear Chris. The estrangement caused by this pandemic has touched us all. There are so many of us still who want to be in very important places we cannot be and this Omicron stage of the pandemic has only tempered those chances of putting our hopes into action. It's an infinitely relatable poem of sweet longing, gently written. Let's hope that, in 2022, we can be in the places we truly want to be. Fine poetry, dear Chris. ⚘

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Jamila for your thoughtful words. Yes the pandemic has brought many restrictions. Being separated from vulnerable loved ones, has been the most difficult aspect for me. My mum is unable to answer her phone anymore, that made the whole situation far worse, plus the distance of 200 miles. I am hopeful I will see her again.

Chris

[Lorry]

What a lovely yet heartbreaking thought you have penned here Chris, that reflect something we can all relate to, people who we want to but can't be with, knowing the need to see them is outweighed by the oh so many risks of now and previous years.
Feeling guilt at not being there, ceasing briefly until visit is done, only to replace old fears with new, like will this be the last time or what circumstances will allow the next.
Yet still, some (including all politicians) are acting like normality has resumed, despite them putting us into lockdoon light by telling us to be careful and cancelling all events including groups and hinting at other measures to follow, while still lying through smiling mouths that don't match their eyes.
Yet strangely silent on yesterday's UK death toll (332) while pretending omicron is a far milder form. I think they mean, but won't admit that these deaths are an acceptable level.
For such a small nation, its a bit of a puzzle why with such on the ball leaders, we are no. 4 in the world for total positive cases.
I've still not had a response from nippy Nic with my suggestion of police sharpshooters on every street firing blow darts of the jab into anyone outdoors.
We had such hope for her too. Pity she isn't a mother or she'd know how to keep us off the streets with three angry words... Naughty step, NOW!
Here's hoping for many more visits to come.

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, thanks Lorry. Because she is 200 miles away, the visits are limited. That and covid sort of mess everything up and now she has forgotten how to use the phone, it just adds to the upset Thought flight helps. I have to envisage her at peace otherwise it wrecks me. Happy new year. We had a very quiet one.

Chris

[Lorry]

Our lot (Nippy Nic) have just announced all hospital visiting being restricted again due to staff shortages. I wonder what she'll blame the very soon to be return to full lockdown on, lack of parking spaces?

[Chris Shaw]

More loss of freedom. We are all becoming prisoners in our own homes.

[Lorry]

.... Again!
And we don't even get free meals or PlayStation like "proper" jail. 😊

[NFA]

Made me think about my own father who needed to take prescriptions to be physically comfortable while battling cancer. Just to see him at peace was my biggest wish. He never showed it when he was around me, but I could tell just how uncomfortable he was in his own body, physically speaking. So many times I'd have to lift him out of bed or help him walk. It really changes your life, especially when they pass on. Beautiful work. Glad you are coping by sharing your experiences through your writing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Victor. The suffering of loved ones is really hard to deal with. I have to imagine my mother at peace while she sleeps. She is over 200 miles away in a nursing home. Yes, it is a coping mechanism. When I do get to see her, she is often confused and frightened. I just wish that would go. Thank you for sharing your experience with your own Dad. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

It sounds like this poem is about a mother with mental illness. I especially like the line "no cries as the familiar turns into a stranger". My granddaughter has a mental illness and is in the hospital now after a meltdown two nights ago. There have been times when she was gone and a stranger took her place.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Shelley. My mum has dementia. I am sorry to hear about your granddaughter. I spent quite a bit of my time in hospitals with my youngest grandson. He had a few meltdowns too. Pleased to say that now he is out of his teens, he is doing much better. No longer the stranger, he is back with us. Hope your problem softens. Thank you for stopping by.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, Chris, your words really "got" me. Tears here. I miss my mother every day....especially at the holidays. I saw her go from a force of nature to a trembling being in pain. I know she is better off now, but that does not stop me from missing her. You obviously felt the same about your mom. When they are at peace, we have to be grateful. Remember the good times....because there were plenty of them. Beautiful poetry, Chris. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi** for your lovely review. Found it really moving.

Chris

[Writergurl]

I still have a mom but our relationship is very rocky, I love her so much but that is all I am going to say. I miss her if she were gone. I lost my father already. sad write but wonderfully expressed.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I miss my mum. She has dementia and is two hundred miles away. She was once incredibly vibrant. Sadly just a shadow now waiting for the final curtain.

Chris

[Writergurl]

I am so sorry. Wish you could be with her. ((hugs)) to you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kindness.

[M. J. Smith]

We never miss the greatest people in our lives until they are gone. A sad truth beautifully expressed.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for another review. I appreciate your time. Best wishes.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Such a wonderful write! Like Ken, I too loved these lines...(be grateful for what you had not for what you've lost) Words to live by my friend. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sharon, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a lovely review.

Chris

[Karmee]

This is such a heartfelt write.....

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for checking this poem out and leaving a nice review.

Chris

[Karmee]

no problem

[Davidgeo]

Have you ever seen a movie called "The Lighthouse"?

You might not like it but I think you should watch it none the less.

[Chris Shaw]

Seen the trailer. It looks scary. Might check it out over Christmas.

[Davidgeo]

It terrifies me as well but, it's worth a look.

Don't watch it until after the holidays, it's not a pleasant movie.

Have you ever seen a movie called Django Unchained? Again, it's not a holiday movie. But if/when you do watch it, let me know. I would like to talk to you about that screenplay.