Cries of the Doomed

whenever I slow down
to contemplate that hairpin bend in
a country lane where formidable
iron railings have been raised

gloss painted
in slick bottle green to blend in with
bushes and foliage to prevent
unauthorised access

my thoughts wander
to a June evening where an out of
control car plunged at speed into a
deep reed edged lake

in my mind's eye
i see and hear two dachshunds
on the back seat as the car
completely submerged in minutes

they yelped and squealed
terrified as they gasped for air as
their lungs flooded until all became
eerily silent

the driver escaped
walks her new pets these days
yet as i pass by i swear i hear
the cries of dogs doomed to drown

tugging and clinging to
a stranger's emotions

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

Poets are sensitive folks even to tragedy of drowning, helpless dogs. What an empathy here from our good poet and what a sad picture in awareness? Human, animal lives are fragile and to top it off is our carelessness.
You have a big heart and a mighty pen.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami for another valued visit. Pleased to have your thoughts on my page, very much so.
read moreThank you Sami for another valued visit. Pleased to have your thoughts on my page, very much so.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure and delight. You are welcome and deserving.

[Ayvid N]

It breaks my heart totally to read about those two precious beings' tragic last journey. I hope they crossed the rainbow bridge joyously after the pain they suffered on this cruel planet. No subsequent pets will ever bring the owner the joy that these two did and they'll always be in our thoughts. You have captured their pain and agony so beautifully with your empathetic, amazing pen. Thank you for sharing this.

[supernova_thoughts]

I can picture the scene and I'm not sure how I feel. Written with such intensity. Good write Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

It's not an easy read if you love animals. My muse wouldn:t let go of it. I thank you for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[supernova_thoughts]

You're welcome!

[Weeping willow]

Such a sad and eerie write, those poor little ones lost their lives.Forever to hear their howls in the winds of night, nicely expressed ;-}

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow. It is a sad poem I admit, but one I felt compelled to write. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Richard Knox]

What a terrible thing to have witnessed! You have described both the event and the emotions very clearly in this poem. It's a difficult one to read, but very moving.

[Chris Shaw]

Not an easy read for lovers of animals Richard but that's where my muse went. I really appreciate your visit and your thoughts. Such a sad accident.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

That would haunt me forever Chris .... oh, wish i hadn'r read your words now :(

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry Stella, but the muse said write it. It haunts me too, however, those pups are remembered and sadly too. Our pets are like our children. Have a good Sunday and thank you for checking in.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Hi Chris, First let me apologise for not reading and reviewing your words for awhile.
I have had a rather severe problem with my right arm and shoulder. This was most likely due to too much time typing, way too much time (an hour a day) at the piano, and pulling weeds... And, of course way to much housework..ha ha..
Anyway, except for mainly responding to reviews I have been way from all that I mentioned until this week.
Still a bit of a nuisance but definitely better.
I really enjoyed your words..How terrible for those sweet dogs..and, for the owner... Things like that do stay with us...don't they...
I do believe that you feel something when you pass that area... strong energy...
Very well written dear Chris,
Lisa, now in Tarragona, Spain

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lisa. I was only thinking this morning how quiet you have been and I looked for new work from you and there was none. Now I know why. You poor thing, you have been suffering. As to that housework, make sure that is well and truly at the bottom of the list :) Pleased to hear you are getting better. As to this poem, it's a sad one, but the muse wouldn't leave it alone. I had to go there. Yes, I think I pick up negative energy. Enjoy Tarragona. I raise my glass to you. Have lots of fun :)

Chris

[Lisasview]

Hi Chris,
Thank you so much... I really hope to add a few more pieces soon. Have you read all of mine?
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Well every one I have zapped on recently , I have already responded to, but maybe there might be one or two I missed from a while back. Will have to check from the beginning.

[Lisasview]

Okay, great...

[Dave]

Though it's easy to think the driver was at fault, we'll never know. Pets to many adults are their "children". I can only imagine the grief this woman must have felt at losing them. I can understand the need to replace her "children". Hopefully, she'll be much more careful with these.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Dave and the visit. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Dear Chris… I had a miniature Dachshund that I loved dearly and a family member did not keep her on a leash and she ran into the Road… and was killed… so sad. I know the Sorrow. Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, that is so sad to hear. Our pets are family and we love them dearly. The losses are painful when they come. We have lost cats on the road and yes the sorrow was felt by the whole family.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

Maybe this is the essence of a true ghost. Emotions catching you where the energy was released. Ghosts in our minds. Your words hurt. Which is what good poetry can do. Not so sure I wanted this hurt though. I'm sure most of us love dogs. Too bad the iron railings in life don't go up till death rains down.

[William Michael Reeves]

Emotions haunting you where the energy was released. Ghosts in our minds, and hearts. That's what I meant to say.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Bill. Who knows, maybe I was picking up all that negative energy. There is much we don't have answers for.

Chris