Out of Dust and Memories

(sorting out my aunt's home before selling)

frugality leaves a deep imprint

a lifetime impacted by ration books

with wartime evacuations

there are no excesses of living here

no shelves of reading to thumb 

through with an avid interest

no artwork on blue rose wallpaper

nor hidden jewels tucked away

in locked mahogany drawers

a noticed absence of photographs

apart from four framed and hanging

lifeless on a floral background

my paternal grandparents in

monochrome my great grandparents

in solemn splendour face me

stiff in their high starch collars

bringing a tear to a saddened eye

watered by ancestral heart strings

unexpected treasure found

case bound Chaucer's Canterbury tales

gold lettering bold on olive green

buried at the rear of a musty

wardrobe an award gifted to Albert

as a ten year old

for studies in English literature

the same Albert who recited

Tennyson to me in tender years

where i learned off by heart stanzas

from the Lady of Shalott igniting

my love for poetry

Reviews

[Aura]

It sounded as if there wasnt any personal touch in the home, no artwork or hidden jewelry, no shelves of beloved books. Was it becauae those were already sold or given away before you had the opportunity to sort through what reamined at your aunts house? Nonetheless, you capture a house void of life, just a structure filling a plot of land, where once, it used to teem with life. Thanks for sharing :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Aura. She never spent any money on anything other than basics. She led a very frugal life based on what the war years taught her. We can now ensure she does get a few luxuries which she deserves. Thank you for reading.

Chris

[Aura]

My pleasure

[Ranger Kessel]

Its been too long since I've read any of this authors. This was a well designed poem with a nice recall of the masters. Thanks for posting it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ranger. Really appreciate all the reads.

Chris

[CD Campbell]

It seemed like the everything was lifeless and cold upon first observation, you painted a sullen, yet grand picture and used that to build tension to the very end. The end was the seed that became part of what you are now. That is craftsmanship. Enjoyed this immensely. CD

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for a great t review CD. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[Ranger Kessel]

Youre welcome

[Bryan Sefton]

I get a warm feeling reading this. Having read some time ago that there is no time. Everything is just moving on, just drifting behind us in a long stream. That somewhere, back there my dad is watching my sister running across the field, falling into a six foot hole and saying, "that girl needs glasses". Even if they are only images it would nice to view them. I'm sure you would like to see your aunt in robust health

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Bryan. It is really sad that she is now in a nursing home. She has no memory at all of living in her flat. We have to sell that now to fund her care. It feels so intrusive having to go through all her possessions, sorting out and throwing away what was once important to her. She is happy enough where she is, but her short term memory has gone. We do our best to visit frequently and to ensure she has what she needs. Thank you for stopping by to share your own thoughts.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Wow.. you have left me Breathless… I have a few years left to catch up. The depth of your Poem is lovely. I was raised in a Religion where for the most part.. we only read True stories. The Truth is that Life has been very Much like Shakespeare’s Works in my Eyes. My Father who was a Religious fanatic… read Shakespeare avidly. English Poetry is more like real Life … even in the Bible. My “Higher Education” is on this Poetry WC Site. Amen. ❤️ love the Title of your Poem and the Manner in which you Swept Away the Cob Webs and Dust. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat for your visit and lovely review. I have to say this web site has taught me much about poetry. You learn more by reading the work of others. Sending all good wishes across the waves.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Chris. I have sorted out things left behind of people I loved. When my step-father passed away in 2020. I found many soldiers photos of when he fought in Europe in 1943-1945. He never talked of his time. I enjoyed your poem and when we leave our world. What will we leave behind? Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Coyote for sharing your thoughts. It is sad sorting through the belongings of a dear one, but can also be illuminating. I think we can get to know them just a little bit better. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Chris and you are welcome.

[William Michael Reeves]

No yard sales for memories are there. But memories are treasures which this poem reminded me. And unless I'm mistaken you write about the beginning of your interest in poetry. And that is a real treasure!

[Chris Shaw]

Oh yes Bill, this is very much about my nine year old self finding poetry through Grandad Albert. What a gift he gave me. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“frugality leaves a deep imprint
a lifetime impacted by ration books
with wartime evacuations”
Beautiful, personal, evocative account of members of your family that survived war, want, severe conditions, dear Chris… They became a strong, frugal, sometimes hardened lot. I come from that kind of stock also. “Penny-wise” never “Pound foolish”. And what a wonderful Chaucerian treasure you discovered! That and its link to your development of love for poetry- a precious memories. Excellent write my friend!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Annette for your thoughtful review. The war years certainly moulded that generation. They wasted nothing. Really appreciate your lovely visit.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

So atmospheric. In one sense, almost gothic. The musty memories are palable. From my own experiences I can attached myself to this wonderful evocative poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken for your lovely review. Pleased you enjoyed this poem.

Chris

[sonnie ibadah]

Beautifully penned! The bitter sweet reminiscent tone of this makes it so endearing.

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely to see you sonnie. Thank you for stopping by. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris