All of This is Temporary

today I wear
my mother's coat
a shade of sage
zipped to my throat

today I wear
my mother's coat
to bring her closer
draw her home

a breath of her
familiar scent
assuages soothes
her kindness lent

where waves of grief
relentless fall
I hear the softness
of her voice

I hear her words
her wisdom sent
all of this you've had before
all of this is temporary

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

the sadness in your poem touches me deeply, Chris .. me Ma passed almost 20 yrs. ago now and my memories of her and the presence of her "things" bring with them joy .. i can feel the healing as your protagonist wraps that coat and zips it up tight .. i can see you breathing in those scents, Chris .. well done .. for you it has not been that long ago and i wish you well and send hugs your way if you like :)
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for the hugs Mr E. Yes, acceptance and healing. It helps to wear my mum's coat. That brings comfort. Sad yes, but I wouldn't wish her back. She was ready to go. Pleased you stopped by. Have a loveyl Wednesday.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

same to you Chris! :)

[Alan S Jeeves]

Quite clever, Chris, to use 'mother's coat' as a metaphor. Quatrains are nice and the whole length of the piece is just right in my opinion. Well done. Kind regards, Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Alan. I appreciate your time and thoughts on this piece. Have a good weekend. Kind regards

Chris

[Neville]

I too have been there .. I still occasionally wear my fathers jacket ... and although having written about it several times to date, there will never be enough time to say everything I want to say .. I can feel the ache and the void these words were sadly inspired by.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. It is surprising how much comfort can be absorbed into your being by wearing a garment of someone much loved, no longer with us, but you understand that if you still wear your Father's coat.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

A moment, then gone, but in this moment when you are wearing your mother's coat, you sense her aura, even her emotions... and yours which seem to be filled with grief, but even that is fleeting; the coat reminds you of so many things about your mother, yet they flee in a moment's notice. A sad poem with many feelings shared. I once tried on my mother's fur coat, and it sunk to the ground and I looked like a bear.
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Betty, thank you so much for your thoughtful review. Hope all is well with you and I appreciate you stopping by. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome dear Chris.
You have a good weekend as well.
Best, B

[Eilis]

Those things we have to hold close when a loved one is gone do help to ease the loss sometimes. Sometimes they can contribute to the pain when it is so fresh, but then the time comes when we can feel them and bask in the memories and be comforted. That is what your poem speaks to me of, Chris. The balm of having something tangible to bolster the memory and keep the grand lessons alive.

Your mother imparted wisdom, I see. We can love and mourn and hold close, but also it’s important to remember we are still alive and must live out the rest of our story. This is a comforting poem for me. The loss is keenly felt but so is the comfort. You have written something beautiful about your pain. I’m so sorry for your loss.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Eilis for that lovely review. Pleased to have you visit. I do hope all is good with you. All the best.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Beautiful poem Chris
I still have old scarves and old favourite cardigans of mums in my third drawer
I can’t part

[Chris Shaw]

You understand then Julie. Thanks hon, for checking this one out.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Yes I 👍 do
I lost mum 8 years ago
A pure angel she is and was on earth
You take care xxx

[Chris Shaw]

And you too xx

[Nima.Hope]

You reminded me of my grandmother. In the middle east,grandmother is far more traditional than the modern west. I suggest you once visit countries like Turkey and Iran to write a poem with an Asian style.
Best Wishes
Nima Hope

[Chris Shaw]

Interesting point you raise here Nima. This is written by a grandmother for her mum who was also a grandmother. Grandmother's are the matriarchs in the family and are deeply respected and loved. In our family, grandma's are very traditional. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

Well done Chris. The loss of someone so close releases all sorts of deep feelings. Time can help and life goes on but there are always triggers that bring the loss back.
Take care,
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Alan thank you so much for your lovely review. Really appreciate your words. All the best.
read moreDear Alan thank you so much for your lovely review. Really appreciate your words. All the best.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

OH MY, Chris, this poem hits me hard. Yes, wearing something that belonged to a loved one makes us feel them all over again. Their scent, the feel of their touch. It can be very comforting. I have a feeling thoughts of your mom are never far from your heart. What a beautiful poem this is! Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Lydi**. You are so right. At the present time thoughts of my mum are never far away. Thank you for your insights.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

Our sense of smell is underrated. Triggers so many things. I like how you build on that idea without being obvious about it. And I really liked the idea that if we wear our memories we can become those memories. Good poem Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Bill. You are so right about the power of smell. It does trigger memories. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. Wearing the coat, also brings comfort.

Chris

[peppino ruggeri]

Thanks for your review. I was touched by your poem "all of this is temporary." My mother passed when I was seven. I wish I had her coat.

[Chris Shaw]

How sad to lose your mother at seven. I am so sorry to hear that. Your review here though is very welcome. So pleased you stopped by and shared your thoughts.

Chris