Lipstick Kisses

Pope John smiles down
from the second shelf of
an old Welsh dresser
covered in a smooth layer
of London dust

a Vatican unvisited
a souvenir of a holiday
not taken

you might be mistaken
thinking that the shadows
from blackened brickwork
of tall suffocating arches
in the back yard
would blot out all light

inside Freda spreads
her own brand of sunshine
illuminating the eyes of
her granddaughter
waiting for lipstick
kisses to be planted
forever

Reviews

[willweb]

Love this scene from your past (I assume) and the memories we keep. Funny how certain things stick out to us, there were probably 20 more different trinkets, etc scattered about but the photo of the Pope is what stands out in your mind, oh and the lipstick kisses. Really fun Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

You are right will. The dresser was packed with stuff, but the souvenirs of the Pope are memorable. Not that I am a Catholic. The lipstick kisses, even more memorable. Thanks for your review. Pleased to see you always.

Chris

[Yana Larson]

This poem offers a quiet, reflective snapshot of a domestic scene, blending nostalgia, light, and subtle humor. The juxtaposition of Pope John, *“smiling down from the second shelf,”* and the unvisited Vatican introduces a sense of longing and absence, while the dust-covered Welsh dresser evokes a sense of time passed. The poem contrasts this with the warmth and personal connection inside, where Freda *“spreads her own brand of sunshine,”* offering a more immediate and tangible sense of love and affection.

The subtle shift from the external, almost somber imagery of the yard to the intimate, joyful interior highlights the theme of light—both literal and metaphorical—that Freda brings. The closing line, *“waiting for lipstick kisses to be planted / forever,”* brings a sense of enduring love and affection, anchoring the poem in the warmth of familial bonds.

The style recalls the works of poets like Philip Larkin and Elizabeth Bishop, both of whom often explore ordinary settings with a deep sense of meaning and emotional resonance. The straightforward yet vivid language and rich imagery create a deeply felt moment, revealing the beauty in the quiet, domestic moments of life.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for a very comprehensive review Yana. Much appreciated.

[Yana Larson]

You are welcome :)

[Ken Simm.]

So atmospheric and full of remembering. This is a true memoir of a moment.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ken, thank you so much for visiting this older poem. I appreciate your thoughts. Have a good day.

Chris

[fallon]

What a beautiful way for Freda to be remembered. I hope to be remembered this way too, with the light that I shine on those I love. The images of childhood memories are expressed beautifully here. It made me take a look back at my own. There is an intimacy you convey that brings me where you have been. It is very nice to be brought into your world in such a way.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Fallon, I appreciate your very warm review. Thank you so much for your visit.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

This is interesting. Loved this poem. Good work

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your review Arundass. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Pryde Foltz]

Oh my goodness. This expressionistic gold.
inside Freda spreads
her own brand of sunshine
illuminating the eyes of
her granddaughter
waiting for lipstick
kisses to be planted
forever

Write on, Chris. Write on:)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Pryde for stopping by. Currently taking a break. All the best.

Chris

[D. Mansfield]

Beautiful poetry Chris, the pope can cast a long shadow. Lol

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Danny and for the smile. My Dad’s side of the family were Catholics, we weren’t. That memento of the Pope though always caught my eye though. Hope all is good with you.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

your title hooked me, Chris! but the poem held me .. i think it is poignant .. nostalgic and a little melancholy ... memories that capture vivid pictures of certain things ... the Grams and her little Granddaughter who knows those kisses as better than anything .. such a blessed thing says i .. i am Catholic and pictures of the Pope are stand out in the scene .. and the dust .. well done indeed ... just those two create the moment behind the characters .. too cool ma'am!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E. My paternal Grandparents home. Those lipstick kisses, never forgotten. Salt of the earth Londoners. How I miss them. And Grandad, he gifted me poetry. How great a gift that has been:)

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

i think you are making fine use of that gift Chris ...

[Neville]

it seems we both have a thing about arcs n arches .. and yes, I aint talking about Noah .. it still is, just as I remembered .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Aw…… you know how to turn a flat line into something more positive dontcha just. 😊

[Andrew John]

I wonder if I ever had a lipstick mark on my cheek. Probably. This is a nice read, Chris, as with all your material.

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, I feel sure that some dame in your lifetime must have planted a smacker on your cheek. Perhaps one of those lovely aunts you treasure in memory. Thank you Andrew for stopping by.

Chris

[Soren]

What an image created here Chris, it is as if I were there.
"a Vatican unvisited
a souvenir of a holiday
not taken"
is probably my favorite line evoking a deeper image of this person. Wonderful

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much friend. I do try hard with the imagery. Pleased you appreciate that. Have a good day.

Chris