Reluctant Return

too late today with timing

to see rolled hay bales

in cut meadow grass

they'd already gone along

with the crows in rows

that resembled musical 

notes upon a song sheet 

of September gold 

i hadn't wanted to pass

that place that made the

headlines shout out in winter

blues over a year ago 

since then the seasons have

arrived and left like that

coverlet of snow which hid 

the ground where he'd been

found

lifeless

teenagers with blades

with one slain and there in

his memory a youthful tree

branches decked with 

keepsakes and wind chimes 

gently swaying in a warm

breeze

a quiet corner of our 

valley's beautiful landscape

where such a violent act

a pact premeditated ended

in tragedy and stain

before long he will be

forgotten someone's much 

loved son a further statistic 

loose set in another day 

turned rotten

Reviews

[Ayvid N]

At the outset, let me compliment you on the stunning imagery in the following lines:

crows in rows
that resembled musical
notes upon a song sheet
of September gold

Reading this was so inspiring. A standard of writing we all aspire to.

The heart bleeds for these children taken so much before time. Indeed, such violence mars the beauty of all creation. There is something so rotten in the world for this to happen. It's so against the grain of Nature and all things beautiful.

A poem filled with such beauty and compassion!

[Chris Shaw]

Another apology from me DIVYA. I don’t know what happened three weeks ago, but I appeared to have missed some of my reviews. I always treasure yours and send another apology. 💐❤️

[Ayvid N]

Awww...No worries at all, dear Chris!
I know how much you care and I feel blessed to have you here. Thank you so much for appreciating my words always.

[red93]

A truly beautiful elegy Chris superbly penned and delivered ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanjs fir your ki dness Tony. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Scott Kris]

Ouch. I need more bourbon to read this… yet we honor those lost to violence by remembering and even more by caring.

The poem ends on a sour tone too. I’m think it’s appropriate for the center circumstances as well.

I tend to try to resolve my emotions when I write and find some meaning it bright future… yet here, you show how powerful it is to let it bleed a little longer.

A powerful write.

Thank you for sharing,

Scott.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Scott. Sadly violence is almost coming the norm. Not the way I grew up. Showing signs of my years now. I appreciate your visits.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Your poem reads as though it came from the morning newspaper. What kind of world are we living in? Good writing my friend. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sharon and so sorry it has taken a week to respond to your thoughtful review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Rob Churchward]

Such wonderful discriptive writing that enables this reader to picture the scene and to imagine himself becoming a part of.
Thank you.
Rob Churchward

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Rob, thank you so much for stopping by. Pleased to know that you enjoyed my efforts. All the best.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Good morning dear Chris,
Oh gosh this is such a sad poem. I was moved by these lines "before long he will be
forgotten someone's much
loved son"
This is so very true...so sad and so true.
You really wrote the feelings of this young persons untimely death and the horror of it so very well.
Hugs, Lisa ...pouting rain since yesterday..much needed..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Lisa. Yes, on our doorstep and so very sad. Awful to think of adolescents killing adolescents, but that is not a one off any more. Knife crime in youngsters is on the increase. Hope all is good with you. So you have rain. Much needed. We have it too, and for once I say bring it on. It is much needed. All the best to you. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Lisasview]

You are so welcome... I am off to play piano and be ready for my helper to work on finishing up organising and cleaning the under built.... Already spent 10 hours in there this past week,
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Enjoy your piano and don't work too hard :)

[Lisasview]

Finished the underbid...100% and I am so happy with it... Day is ending so I am of to watch a movie on Netflix with Bob

[Dave]

How many places will we all end up avoiding? I live in New Jersey, but it doesn't seem to matter. Every night on the news is more and more reports of senseless killings. We all seem to share this unbidden horror in New York, Colorado, California, Great Britain, and elsewhere. Surly it must end, I pray that it does.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Dave, somehow I missed responding to your lovely review, even though I read it. So sorry. Apologies sent. Hope you and Millie are well.

Chris

[Kaye]

It is sad the way of the world is now days.
It is sad to see it full of violence and anger.
we all need more kindness in the world.
Liked your write, it speaks

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you stopped by Kate. Many thanks for your thoughts.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… it seems that our World is mourning the loss of humanity… Our 💕 hearts are broken and we are helpless to change the Direction. There is always “Hope, Faith and Charity, but the greatest of these is 💗 Love”.
🙏 Amen, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, what a terrible direction we are moving in. Such violence everywhere, even in places where you wouldn't expect it. Peaceful countryside bordering residential areas where living standards are high. Sadly morals of some are in the gutter. So sad. Sending love across the waves on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Yes… for the Sake of the Children growing up… we will do our Best to keep them Safe from Harm. We must not become so depressed… that we become mentally disabled. Prayer is Powerful… I believe that a Silent Prayer is felt by the Great and Holy Spirit. Amen… Pat

[Gee]

Again beautifully written, the first 8 lines my fav :))
Too much teen violence, what happened to a good old fashioned punch up to solve quarrels, most teens think they are gansta...pricks.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes a punch up and a shake of hands and it was done. How times have changed Gee. So much needless death these days. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris