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

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I have experienced the Loyalty of my Catholic friends.
I respect the Poetry for the Saints. I also embrace the Holy Spirit,
and I understand Mother Mary... and her reaching out with open Arms.
I gave my Son Robert a Lipstick Kiss on his forehead at our Family Reunion
this month of May. He is now 52 years old. He and his wife Leilani believe
in the Holy Spirit, as do I myself. I understand your Poem. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, I am delighted that you give your 52 year old son lipstick kisses. He will always remember them. Thank you so much for gracing my page with your poetic presence. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

ah yes the popes. takes me back to my own grandmother, and her wall of popes priests and penguins. like how you rooted this one chirs. nostalgia of photo to sunshine of a granddaughter. well done

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Ken. I was always fascinated with her souvenirs of the Pope. We weren’t brought up as Catholics, so it is one of the things I remember most along with those very pink imprints often left on my cheeks. Love her. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

i was raised catholic, though have long since been the one that got away ;) on my mom's side the tree is literally bent over with the pope's minions. my dear grandmother was as faithful as they come, and constantly pointing out the long line of nuns and priests in the family. she's in heaven now, trying to explain how the current crop got so singed LOL

[Chris Shaw]

Fortunately for me when it came to religion, she didn’t try to influence me at all. It was far more the other way round. It was me asking all the questions. I thought the Pope had a nice grandfatherly face :)) Thanks for the smile.

[Beccy]

I can remember as if it were only yesterday those 'lipstick kisses.' that always shone a light into the dark.

I will say no more than thank you for bringing unforgettable moments with my beloved grandma back to life.

Beccy X

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Beccy, I am thrilled that my memories of lipstick kisses has brought your own moments back with your beloved grandma. So pleased to have been able to do that. Thank you for a great review.

Chris

[Neville]

Quite probably one of the most beautiful poems I have read in quite some time .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Your review Neville is a smile maker. I can’t remember the shade of deep
pink but it should have been called unforgettable. Those kisses had their own coty fragrance too. Many thank yous 💄💋

[Lorry]

Ah, to be the kid (or the grandparent) in that scenario, where both know what's coming and the gran plants a kiss that makes the kid giggle that she will remember and miss forever when she is gone.
That would be enough light to brighten any room, and hearts. 😊
What a wonderfully captured memory Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry:) We have just crossed in the ether:) I have been spending time with my grandkids this weekend. The youngest is three. It brought back memories of Freda and her lipstick kisses. She was a treasure. I was very close to both my Nans. Hope you are having a great bank holiday.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and here I was thinking Holy City, my favorite Pope...
but that is in pictures and imagination...
the holiest thing in the world is the precious Grandson or Granddaughter...
those kisses will be planted...and when we are no longer around...that child, now grown, will still feel them.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

My Catholic grandmother radiated love and light despite her dark, dismal surroundings, in the shadow of arches. Her lipstick kisses unforgettable. Many thanks J.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

The first two verses describe something apparently desired but not experienced, a visit to the Vatican. Then verse three seems to describe something unrelated, concerning architecture blocking all light. Then the last verse turns to pleasantry, a description of a grandmother kissing her granddaughter. I take these apparently disparate scenes as a lesson: Despite disappointments, despite ugliness, life contains joys that will sustain us if we only stay open to them.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks John. My Catholic grandmother would have loved to visit. Despite her dark surroundings, she radiated love and light. You never forget that.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris!
Another stunning bit of imagery, I love how you come in the side door, lead us along the path you've chosen, then surprise us with a completely unexpected destination... Great Stuff,
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Vol for your visit and kind review. Have a great Monday. All the best.

Chris