Keepsake

A second write about the subject matter, originally penned ten years ago

when the lid opens
old hinges creak and groan
as contents of mum's heavy
wooden tea chest are left
to breathe in fragrance of
freesia wafting through the
sitting room

pass me downs
photographs documents
dog-eared certificates
discoloured creased with age
spanning a century of dead
relatives

I search
disturbing dust motes
for something special of
sentimental worth specific
to the date of my birth
buried in this musty treasure
trove

my father's wallet
well worn brown leather
ingrained with life last seen
three decades ago containing
a wrist band placed on
tiny me

on the day I was born
he was twenty one a soldier
he carried that band
till the day of his demise
my eyes scan in hope
for a stroke of good fortune

for he loved me
without conditions
and that simple pink tag
bearing the name he chose for me
is without doubt completely
priceless

Reviews

[Dave]

Beyond words are the wonderful memories we have of times past. Surely, you loved your father dearly and it's so obvious that he reciprocated that love. What a beautiful tribute and remembrance. This was a wonderful share , Chris.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Your review Dave is thoughtful and very much appreciated. Many tha js

Chris

[M.E.Lyle]

This hit very close to home. Recently my brother-in-law passed on. Two months earlier my-sister-in-law passed leaving a mess to deal with. We sifted through old photos and learned a lot about her we didn't know before. I sometimes get lost looking through old paper clippings, and other memorabilia, recalling days passed. Time steals so much and yet gives back some of what it takes. Is that too weird?
A wonderful, thought provoking write.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you could relate to this poem. Yes, sorting out the personal effects can certainly have some benefits. Thank you fir your visit abd thoughtful comment. Much appreciated.

Chris

[duff]

Who doesn't love a dusty write. You check all the senses Chris. Textures and smells throughout. On site writing that transports the reader. Great work.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit duff. All the best.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Awesome! The last stanza touched me deeply. Thank you Chris! ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Hello lovely Sharon. Thank you so much for your lovely review. Hope you are keeping well dear friend.

Chris

[Blunt--Instrument]

That’s a beauty
Great flow and memories I can feel with scented aura …

Like

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Gee]

Beautifully written and an eternal love for you that will never be matched by any other man.
Apart from memories I have only mum's LFC watch and her passport, nothing else needed:)
Hope you are well Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Gee. It's the memories and little souvenirs which have the most meaning. All reasonable here.

Chris

[red93]

Beautiful piece Chris full of love and tenderness - how well you conjure all the visual elements also ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony for your generous review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Beano]

Beautiful poem, Chris. I recently cleared out some of my mum's belongings and you perfectly captured the memories and emotions that this stirred up.

Take care,
Jamie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jamie. Yes, clearing out your own mum's belongings, you would relate to this poem very well. Sad thing to do, but brings back lovely memories too. I very much appreciate your visit and thank you.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

I have goosebumps after reading this, Chris. My father's wallet carried a letter I had written to him when I was only 8 years old. He was away on business. The fact that he kept that letter was worth more than any inheritance! Obviously your dad loved you very much. Yes, that baby bracelet was priceless! Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, thank you for sharing your Dad with me. I know how treasured your letter is too. Sorry for my late response. I have had a really busy week. Take care

Chris

[Pauline]

Hi Chris. My mother never had anything of great value but in her later years, she gave me her wristwatch that my father had bought her before I was born. When she passed, my brother told me to take anything I wanted. I took two little coloured stone brooches that are worth a few pence. She used to wear them at the neck of her blouses. Lorry is right, it's the memories that are priceless. The piano, the songs and the family all singing together.
What you've done with this piece Chris, is sent a whole load of people down memory lane. Quite a fete don't you think? Not only that, but loved by your family and loved by your readers.
Love to her down there from her up here.xx

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pauline, thank you for your lovely review and your own sharing. Sorry for late response. I have had such a busy week. I am currently sorting out my elderly aunt's property for sale as well as dealing with my late mum's estate. So much to do. Found lovely photographs of my grandparents when they were young this week. More treasure. You are such a sweetheart. Look after yourself.

Chris xx

[Ladysue]

I can relate to this moving poem and I can feel the beautiful strong energy that connects you to your loved ones. A bond never broken, ever. Keepsakes are treasures..Beautiful piece of writing..

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ladysue, thank you so much for your thoughtful comments and your visit. You are appreciated. All the best.

Chris

[Ladysue]

My pleasure Chris..