Time To Say Goodbye

(funerals)

said goodbye to Molly
named Helen at birth by
her parents

a work colleague from old
twenty years plus five
of letters and Christmas
cards

same age as mum
lost earlier this year
same war time resilience
a get on with it
attitude

oh the winter blues
have dug in deep
and there’s not a twitch
of movement on
our silver birch

my sentinel is sleeping
not weeping
spring is around
the corner
believe it

Reviews

[Dennis Wolf]

It is beautiful.
Simply because we all know that life is... Not as long as you'd like it to be once you get to a certain point...

And for some, even they know that every minute more is almost a miracle, but they don't think 'oh poor poor me' instead they continue to dedicate that time to living with full lungs, and they keep those important to them as important as they were.

If anything, then that is the mark of strength and character.
'get on with it' attitude, yes, when you realize that crying over it is not going to help either, you can only move forward even if it's just one clumsy stumble at a time.

I enjoyed reading this one, because it's honest, real and relatable.

[Chris Shaw]

I am touched by your very thoughtful review of this poem. Thank you so much Dennis.

Chris

[Dennis Wolf]

You're welcome. :)
I needed a decent read this morning to get up and start the day.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you found one worthy of your time. That has put a smile on my face :)

[Dennis Wolf]

Well, then it was all worth it.

[Ken e Bujold]

a poignant ode you've penned here my friend. the honest sentiment of friendship so keen, but firmly clenched in the tone of admiration and determination of your voice it connects to your readers.

hope all well on the isle.

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken. The build up to Christmas too busy for my liking :) Thank you for paying your respects to Molly. Friendship is a precious gift and I have been fortunate with my friends although many of them no longer on this plane. Happy Christmas to you.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

same to you chris

[Shelley Warner]

Sounds like you lost your work colleague and your mom in the same year. I am sorry for your loss.

[Chris Shaw]

The losses have been difficult but spring is just around the corner. Holding on to those thoughts. Thank you Shelley.

Chris

[Perdition]

We are at that stage, aren't we though? The one thing that "Molly" would be very proud of is your endeavor to stay hopeful and upbeat, always with it and strong. I have a friend that loves to remind me of all the losses for the year and I just remind him how cheery a fellow he is when it comes to this. Spring, life, living, and hopefully beyond the routine. A touching tribute and goodbye...I do congratulate your spirit. Happy Holidays!!

[Chris Shaw]

Happy holidays to you too and a big thank you for your visit and thoughtful words. Yes, as we age in years, we also count the losses. It is inevitable but that makes us appreciate the little things in life even more. Pleased you stopped by today :)

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris … I am in touch with Nancy whom I went to grade school with and Academy as our Church called their High School. It is amazing to see her and her children and their children on Facebook. Her husband introduced me to a Poetry Site and now he has passed over the Bridge. We are all Spirits who will meet someday if we Pray and walk with Faith. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat your review is one of beauty and hope. You are a treasure. Sending love across the waves.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

May Cardinals brighten your Door…

[Chris Shaw]

❤️🌺. ……………….

[Ciara]

It's especially difficult around the holidays but remembering is important.
Lovely poem, Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ciara for your kind words of understanding. I appreciate you.

Chris

[M]

The festive season becomes a mixture of joy and sadness when we reflect on those we have lost at this special time of year. It seems you have suffered quite some losses this past year. Condolences. Life goes on and there is always another Spring to give us hope. I appreciate that ending tone.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Makhabat for your understanding. The year has been difficult but it has also had some very bright spots shining through too. All good wishes.

Chris

[Luna]

This is such a sad poem. I loved reading it. Thanks for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Luna for stopping by to share your thoughts. You are appreciated. Sending best wishes to you and yours.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Sorry for your loss. That wartime British generation had to have a get on with it attitude; it was them or Hermann Goering. We could learn a lot from them. The birch is a good symbol of resilience. Silent now, it will be glorious in the coming spring.

[Chris Shaw]

They certainly had more backbone than what I see around these days where everyone gets offended. Many thanks John for adding your thoughts here All good wishes.

Chris

[light and ashes]

I feel the underlining feeling of hope that you seemed to have been going for. Winter is a good time for that...for delayed hope. Spring promises nature a rebirth and we hope for us too.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Light and Ashes for sharing your thoughts and stopping by. All good wishes to you and yours.

Chris

[light and ashes]

Thank you so much, Chris. We are doing quite well at the moment.
You are welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

You are awesome too. Your tributes showcase those wonderful people that played a role in your life, even becoming role models. It is amazing how special people impact us.
Sending you warm wishes across the ocean between us.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for such a warm review. So pleased you stopped by to share your thoughts. You are very much appreciated Sami.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome 😊.