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.

[Nima.Hope]

I must agree with Jacob Erin-Cliberto. This poem knocks out all the amateur poets like me. Chris, I guess you should start publishing your poems in a book. If you can contact some publications in the U.S or The UK, I'm sure you will win a literature prize.
Wish you all the best dear Chris, for you are the one who has brought a light do this cafe.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Nima, I am knocked out by your review. I haven:t had anything published for ten years, but that is my own fault. I am hoping to change that soon. You are far too kind. Thanking you so much.

Chris

[Nima.Hope]

Dear Chris, I try to be honest with everyone and you are a big talent in poetry, everyone loves your style and I'm sure by publishing these into books, you've made the copyright all yours and soon you will earn a prize, believe me dear.
I'm so glad you are in the Cafe, peace and love.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so kind and I appreciate you Nima. Thank you so much.

[Nima.Hope]

My pleasure dear.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

starts with such beauteous images and then bang...reality rears its ugly head.

You have no idea how good you are, Chris.

You weave imagery as easily as someone who is totally proficient at weaving a scarf.
Perfectly.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear J, your review is priceless. I want to frame it. Thank you so very much.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Beautiful landscape scarred forever by sadness ..... :((

[Chris Shaw]

Sadly yes, I will not be able to go there again without thinking of this event. However, I have broken the ice and I was more than pleased to do so. Thank you dear Stella.

Chris