Resilience

(nature leading the way)

when I consider what’s broken
i see images of the bombed streets
of London after the blitz

seen in old magazines
when buildings were blasted
and memories buried under rubble

yet out of ashes and carnage
pockets of pink flowers grew proud
poking their heads above the parapets

to find a touch of sunlight
amid the detritus of destruction
determined and resilient

in the face of adversity
to rise above it all and stretch
their necks to find some light

Reviews

[Ladysue]

Chris, I like how you conveyed this poem. You captured the essence of it all in this life very creatively. It’s hope that carries us through. This verse especially speaks poetically of destruction and resilience. We need that more and more these days. This verse can stand alone it’s so powerful.

‘yet out of ashes and carnage
pockets of pink flowers grew proud
poking their heads above the parapets’

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate your lovely review Ladysue. Many thanks for stopping by to share your valued thoughts. Have a great Tuesday.

Chris

[Nima.Hope]

If we,human beings, want to have the same opinion on a thing, that thing must be peace. War, war, war. The only thing we are afraid of and at the same time we produce weapons to increase it's probability.
I have sympathy with your poem dear Chris, no one can endure hearing about Iran-Iraq war......

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Nima, I so agree. War is futile there are no winners. All wars are failures to negotiate. We lost family in the bombings in London. The poem also illustrates that whatever happens with destruction, nature fights back. The little flowers are both a sign of resilience and hope. Thank you so much dear friend for your valued review.

Chris

[Nima.Hope]

My pleasure dear Chris, you're welcome 🌸

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

Dear, Chris Shaw,
England is known for its Victorious Wars: Excalibur!
Tragic sense of it all,
War is tender, war is our last moment of defiance,
loved your poem,
----1809 Black Plague December

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for stopping by. I appreciate your interest in this poem. All the best.
read moreThank you so much for stopping by. I appreciate your interest in this poem. All the best.

Chris

[Lorry]

Yep! Perfectly captured Chris.
Like yourself and others in places like Coventry, we know the true meaning of devastation.
Where I lived most of my adult life, Clydebank, everyone gets taught the local history of the town that nearly died.
I think there's just about under 100,000 living there today, but by wars end, there was only seven houses left standing! Mainly due to being next to the Clyde, where shipbuilding occurred and still does to an extent, but also the factories making munitions and being an easy target because the moon reflected from the water, hence the phrase "a bombers moon."
My parents were sent as kids to Ireland, which they loved, mainly due to no one was bombing the sh*t out of it at night, but they had their worries to contend with too.
Can you imagine if it happened today, sending all the young uns away to a country they've never seen! I bet I could guess what googles most popular question would be "Does Ireland have broadband?" 😊
Even with all the education, I'm still amazed there are people who don't know why the square across from the Chambers is called solidarity plaza. It's because 7 polish fisherman diverted the planes away from town by switching on all their lights and giving their lives, so we would be safe, for another night at least.
We should all have their names tattooed on our arms, so we never forget the sacrifices of those who came before us.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lorry. Your response is an amazing history lesson. Some of it I am familiar with, other areas not so. Bomber’s moon is new to me, but makes sense. Yes, some cities really suffered. I knew about Coventry and Clydesbank. I have visited the ruins of the cathedral in Coventry.

My Dad was evacuated. I can’t imagine anyone these days sending their kids off to live with strangers. What a thought. You made me smile about broadband. Would they ever manage without it? Come to think if it,I might have a problem too:) sad thing about today is that kids aren’t taught about the sacrifices made fur their freedom. They don’t appreciate it. It’s down to old nags like me to make sure it is remembered. And in my house it is. Thanks a bunch Lorry.

[Lorry]

You're welcome.

[Stuart Munro]

I know about resilience alright 😂
The secret is fooling yourself most of your life

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Stuart. Whatever it takes to see you through:) Hope Monday is kind to you .

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Chris , Monday is sunny ,I feel well and buzzing , hope you are , all the best Stuart

[Chris Shaw]

I am lazing, but will enjoy the sun soon :)

[Soren]

So hopeful and bright that out of destruction grows new life and new hope. Such is the wold and nature that has a way of working things out, no matter how dire or devastating. You have a nice way of bringing out the positive and uplifting the soul.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren. I do try and look for the positives in life. Not always easy in the times we live. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Neville]

I do believe, even where napalm was scattered & often indiscriminately .. there is green again .. Nature eh' who would harm it .. long live those little pink flowers .. N :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Neville. Amazing nature. I was also thinking about Chernobyl. Not sure whether I have spelt it right. Where we fear to tread, nature has adapted and is surviving, in fact thriving.

[Neville]

welcome is as welcome was .. or so me ma always used to say :)

[W. Barrett Munn]

Not only the resilience, but bringing the beauty, too, refusing to be anything other than what they are.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Winston for your welcome thoughts. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“to find a touch of sunlight
amid the detritus of destruction
determined and resilient

in the face of adversity
to rise above it all and stretch
their necks to find some light “
Chris, your powerful title and words meet, marry, and perfectly produce the gift of “Resilience”of nature over the destruction of men. Flowers placed into the barrels of guns…flowers growing through cement, through cracks in stone walls. Nature, and we, defiantly and triumphantly raise our heads to overcome all, as your words paint that luminous picture. Imagery, metaphor, analogy, message- all perfect. Resilience wins out, always.

[Chris Shaw]

So much encouragement in your review Annette. I appreciate your fine words. Thank you so much. I hope life is being kinder to you. Sending best wishes.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I love this. there is a lot of positive vibes in this poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale . Pleased you enjoyed the read. Your visit appreciated. All the best to you.

Chris