Past the Point of Return

(old material re-worked)

i found comfort once
in the fake embrace of my deceiver

where all sharps would subside
providing he was by my side

when tears of betrayal melted away
as ten red roses in a glass vase

a bouquet of fast fading guilt
cried out for my eyes to open wide

while decay set in my dismay grew
greener and unforgiving

dried roses left for days
till the heart implored no more

Reviews

[M]

I cannot accept betrayal. Life is too valuable to waste on someone who doesn't value you. Roses are the chosen gift of the deceiver and many do fall for their floral charms despite their heart and mind knowing better. There is sadness in your lines that speak from experience and a wounded heart. So many will relate. Touching words expressed.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes a wounded heart. Betrayal sucks but fortunately I met someone far more worthy of my affections. Thank you Makhabat.

Chris

[Alla Antsis]

Beautiful work, Chris! Close to my heart....who have never been deceived? Especially a poet...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for stopping by to review Alla Antsis. Your thoughts are appreciated.

read moreThank you so much for stopping by to review Alla Antsis. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Chris

[Gee]

What gift wanted less than flowers bought and delivered through guilt, you should have stuck.them up his a#&e, thorns and all :)

[Chris Shaw]

Love your response Gee. That!s when the thorns can become useful. Hope you enjoyed your Christmas Day.

Chris

[Elizabeth]

oh this poem is so strong...I love the metaphors used..each line feels carefully crafted to depict a bigger picture.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank you’s Elizabeth. I appreciate your visit and thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Flowers begging forgiveness, cut and dying themselves, are often adequate representations or omens of a greater future rift. My children, making mistakes, often say they are sorry. I always give the same reply: "Don't be sorry. There are far too many sorry people in the world, as is. But strive to make atonement for your actions and do better." Flowers seem a paltry substitute for love, even when given with the most sincere intent. I've given flowers many times but never in apology for my actions. If I feel I have wronged someone, I will confront them with my heartfelt apologies and pin all my hopes of their understanding of the frailty of my human condition. I enjoyed the read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. Always pleased when you stop by to share your thoughts. You are appreciated.
read moreThank you Fabian. Always pleased when you stop by to share your thoughts. You are appreciated.

Chris

[JD Major]

Poignant! Powerful!
And, as an Opening-Line junkie, I think yours ("i found comfort once in the fake embrace of my deceiver") is right up there with my favorite, Dickens' "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ........."
Great write, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

You have me blushing. Thanks for the encouragement. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[JD Major]

Blushing, huh?, then my work is done, haha
And, you're most welcome :) ...there's something very refreshing in a talented wordsmith who's thankful for encouragement :)

[Chris Shaw]

You gone and got me blushing all over again :))

[JD Major]

haha, blushing is nature's way of telling folks you're embarrassed XXXXXX no, make that 'in tune.' :)

[Yellow Butterfly]

This is beautiful Chris....there is nothing more uglier than betrayal and yet your words soothes the heart and mind and you can only feel empathy for the one that has done wrong...and sheer happiness to the one that was strong enough to realize ...they were not worth their time!

You are an amazing Poetess Chris.....someone whom I can learn from :)

YB

[Chris Shaw]

Your lovely review has warmed my heart YB on a very cold winter day. Thank you so much 💐

[Yellow Butterfly]

You’re welcome Chris…wrap up warm on this beautifully sunny crisp winters day… 🤗💐

[Chris Shaw]

Will do. Thank you :)

[Soren]

Chris this poem has a depth to it, not only in theme but wording and rhyme. I love the way that the rhyme changes from the end of line to the beginning reinforcing the theme of betrayal. The juxtaposition of decay and the dismay that grew greener was a nice touch. The last stanza where the metaphor of dried roses being kept as a hope and memory finally giving way to accepting the fact that they were no longer desired was a nice way of tying it all together. A very nice poem with a classical touch.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren. I really appreciate your very encouraging review. All the best.

Chris

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

A superbly expressed muse of a past memory, disappointments in relationship are so common so you need to chin up about whatever happened though it is hard. Kudos!

Plz also read and comment my newest poem too.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. Pleased for the visit. Hope you and the family are keeping well. All the best. Warm wishes sent.

Chris