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

[Laz K.]

This poem succeeds in building an entire world in the discerning reader's mind. The few details given are enough to create a complete backstory concerning the characters described. For these reasons, it is a fascinating write, one I enjoyed reading very much.

[Chris Shaw]

Laz, your encouragement is much appreciated. Thank you for your time. All the best.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

As the Catholic Pope looks on, relatives give their seal of approval in a planting of a kiss rich in red on the young uns. Nicely depicted Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Andrew. I remember so clearly her welsh dresser and what was on it. Her lipstick kisses were something else :)

Chris

[red93]

I decided to pray at a Catholic Church and light Candles at their shrines after Justin Welby acknowledged the spiritual supremacy of the Pope over the C of E towards the end of the reign of the Late Queen. The guys at St Marys on the Quay in Bristol Centre seem quite happy with this arrangement, and of course I donate to Church Funds. I sometimes think that the C of E is Christianity Lite, and the Catholics are closer to the true Church.

Nice Piece Chris as ever ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony. My grandmother was a strong Catholic, my Dad not so. I know you have a strong faith which must be of comfort to you when the going gets tough. I light candles in church as well sometimes. I find peace in the silence. The experience is uplifting. Thank you for your valued visit today.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

This reminds me so much of Elizabeth Bishop. It is as if you stood in the room and described poetically what was there. Terrific poetry.

Winsotn

[Chris Shaw]

I am so encouraged by your review Winston. Thank you so much. Have a lovely Thursday.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I love your words that just flow like a gentle stream... although i do not believe.... I can relate to this very honest and beautiful poem; my favorite is: "waiting for lipstick kisses to be planted forever" there is nothing like hugs and kisses....such meaning to this poem Chris, excellent writing....
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty for your generous review. I appreciate you. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome my friend...have a beautiful day!
Best, B

[Shelley Warner]

I like how your poem transitions from the grandeur of the pope and the vatican to a small child receiving a lipstick kiss.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Shelley so much for your review. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

I appreciate you too.

[Chris Shaw]

…………. 🌺

[Lisasview]

Dearest Chris,
Your descriptions seem to get better with every read!!!
Oh and how I so love the title that tells it all..
It brings back so many memories... too many to write down...
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lisa, so pleased this poem gifts you memories. Thank you for your lovely review. How are you doing?

Chris

[Lisasview]

Today I go in for an MRI of my head, because when I fell I really hit my head hard.
Hard to believe that is is 6 weeks since I feel...
I am typing with both hands now but it does cause that awful throbbing pain...
Soon I will be back to my old self. Meanwhile I am busy writing and socialising. and teaching water color painting.
Thank you for asking,
Lisa

[Chris Shaw]

Good luck with your scan today Lisa.

[Lisasview]

Thank you...

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Beautiful write Chris
I’m not catholic but loved the descriptives and understood the lipstick kisses
I had plenty of doting aunties and mum too
My grandmothers I didn’t know my fathers mum died before I was born
well only one I recall mums mum but she died when I was under one and do recall her believe it or not
Loved your write so well done with meaning

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie for your lovely review. Pleased you enjoyed my nostalgia trip. All the best.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

I just read read this it’s still AMAzing. Hope you well Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Typo. Re-read this not read read as it said

[Write My Dissertation F..]

Write My Dissertation For Me UK

[AYVID N]

I picture it all in my mind, an old, timeless living room in my mind's eye. The shadows of the tall arches, dusty souvenirs and much loved portraits have such an eternal feeling to them. It fills me with wonderment how we can slip into so many immortal rooms and places in our memories and never find the need to emerge. This poem is yet another beautiful gem, dear Chris, it leaves such an imprint on my heart. Beyond the beauty of things and places, emotions always run so deep in your writes.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. I remember with such clarity the detail. I think I was blessed with a sharp eye as a child. I didn’t say much but I didn’t miss much either. All these years later I remember so clearly. Your reviews are cherished dear poet.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Its a pleasure to read your poetry, my friend. You're most welcome, always. Thank you for the appreciation and kind words. ⚘