A Lament

(Torquay visit without my mum)

if i could reach the water's edge
i'd kneel with outstretched hands
for you to soothe once more the hurts
a mother only can

yet here i stand on land that's dry
atop this too steep cliff
to let the waves wash over me
that grief at time inflicts

so glints the sun on crest of surf
as rollers ride to shore
to spill upon a Torbay cove
my soul aches to its core

the ocean has the ash of you
and will do evermore

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Ashes to ashes, dust unto dust, as they say, holds so true in this beautifully rendered poem on the grief over loss of a loved one. The ocean has her ashes and you have her love and her memories, forever and always. My warmest and most heartfelt wishes to you today for your healing journey, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks DIVYA, your warm wishes very gratefully received. Have a great day. 🌺

[AYVID N]

You too my friend! The warmth you send my way is so fully reciprocated!

[Scott Kris]

Whew! Just need a breath. How can you find words for such a moment… no, not a moment, an eternity? I guess the Ocean is the only place large enough to sink such a sorrow.

With respect,
Scott

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Scott, pleased to meet you. Thanks very much for the visit and your encouragement. Welcome to WC. All the best.

Chris

[Gee]

Even better 4 weeks later Christine

[Chris Shaw]

Second visits are very much appreciated Gee. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

To return again to places that where once shared and now marked by their absence. That is a pain that helps heal for its consolation is faint but real. The heart goes out as I read this. Peace to you Chris. Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for your very thoughtful review Freds and sorry for taking so long to tell you how much your review is appreciated.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

That is most understood Chris. I too am given to at times missing out in terms of timing. Have an awesome weekend! Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

You too Freds. Take care :)

[Patricia Wedel]

I miss my Mother more as time goes by… since 1978… when my son and daughter were two and seven. She left me her lovely smile and laughing eyes and love of life and poetry. My grandchildren have her Lust for Life. Your poem Chris is a Locket to be worn close to your 💜 Heart. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, your review is beautiful. I have only just seen it. Many apologies for the late response. You are a treasure.

Chris

[Gee]

Such a beautifully sad write Christine. Hope your heart is mending :))

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning Gee from sunny Brixham. The grief will soften in time, I know, but it was raw when I wrote this. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Many thanks and all good wishes. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[red93]

Such a powerful Write Chris - so close to home - requiring real honesty to put this into a very moving Poem. Thanks for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Tony. Your thoughts are always welcomed and much appreciated.

Chris

[duff]

The opening lines are skillfully written and from there we can wander peacefully into warmth. Eye opening stuff Chris. Felt this one.

[Chris Shaw]

Duff, your review is much appreciated. Many thanks for stopping by. Have a good weekend.

read moreDuff, your review is much appreciated. Many thanks for stopping by. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Chris. Some people, become a part of us. Today, I hear my grandfather voice when I speak.
"yet here i stand on land that's dry
atop this too steep cliff
to let the waves wash over me
that grief at time inflicts"
The above lines, we do wish, could make the hurt less. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Coyote. The hurt is still raw for me but I know it will soften with the passing of time. I do appreciate your thoughts and your sharing.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

The good people, the kind people. We shall always remember dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Ken e Bujold]

a truly aching tribute to a daughter's undying love. Extremely well done chris

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Ken. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris