Dredging

on a day when grief
felt weighted
like lead in walking shoes
when there was no relief

would you understand
why those last few grains
of cremated remains

texture sharp as rough sand
found their way
to forehead and cheeks

ceremoniously dredging
the basement depths
of my most inner chambers
of sorrow

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

We all mourn loss differently, and yet no emotional experience is more universal than sorrow. Of course love is its sister I would dare to surmise. Both opposing twins that tug and pull upon our hearts from birth to death. We aspire to love in life greater and mourn just as equal. Because nothing exhibits one's adoration more so for the objects of our affection than when we have lost them. It is what defines our humanity. CLE

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Carlos, so pleased you stopped by to share your thoughts. You are very much appreciated. Have a good Tuesday.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

geez, do I feel this one.
those remains buried, but the remains of the love stay close on the surface.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear J, how pleased I am to see a review from you. Welcome home to WC my friend.

[Akhez A Lal]

I have just read your poem, and frankly speaking, I really like, well done very nice, keep up the good work

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your thoughtful visit Akhez A Lal. Much appreciated.

[Steel Magnolia]

yes, I would understand -there is no expiry date. Classy piece of writing Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by Steel Magnolia and leaving such an understanding review. Much appreciated.

[Louisa Chan]

Sorry to hear such a sombre and grief-struck poem Chris.
You are so adept at painting grief - yes, your poem works just like a visual art!
Really like your last stanza.
I hope you're feeling well.
Love,
Louisa

[Chris Shaw]

Taken from old notes dear Louisa. Many thank yous for your thoughtful review. 🌺

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

A very deep personal grief poem
You did this one justice

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie. Always appreciate your visits. Have a good Saturday.

[willweb]

Gosh Chris, this was sad. That is two in a row I have read of yours that grabbed me by the heart. Your talent for expressing the vast colors of emotions in black ink is amazing

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks will for your continued encouragement with my postings. Much appreciated.

[Pete]

ouch. that word alone makes me feel uncomfortable. grief is a heavy burden to bear, not good to carry it around too long. deep and heavy sentiments ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Pete. Old notes recovered. You are right about grief though. Have a good Saturday.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Grief seems to come in waves and you never know when it will hit or what the cause. Lovely free verse poem, Chris.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Winston for your thoughts. Much appreciated.

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... when we take our last breath, I would imagine that our Soul and Spirit
returns to where we were given for a span of time to enlighten our journey.
It is then that we understand. It was indeed a blessing to have a Mother who considered the
beauty of nurturing a family. When Winter comes to a close. and Spring eternal enters in
we read the metaphors of Poets and become a part of learning and growing in the Circle of Love.
gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat thank you for the gift of your beautiful thoughts left here. Know you are a treasure.

[AYVID N]

A poem that so vividly, so palpably conveys grief.
We become so helpless with our grief. It shakes us to the very depth of our cores.
We forget to be civilized and even sane. And that is the intensity of the grief that is conveyed so effectively by your words.
Though the roughness of the remains does nothing to soften the pain but remind us sharply of our profound loss.
A poem that will remain with me always, dear Chris. I wish you all the joy and healing in the universe.

[Chris Shaw]

Some old notes found DIVYA. Thank you so much for your insightful review. Have a good weekend my friend.

[AYVID N]

You too, dear Chris. Have a great one.