A Closer Look

wide eyed girl
took a deep breath
before glancing away
unsure

fingers on the lid
of her newly found box
of heart breaker
memories

there she fiddled
with a small silver lock
making way for photos
to spill out

of strangers
a father she can’t recall
his other three children
grandparents

her mother golden
in glory days smiles back
not aware of tears
slipping down

or the noticeable frown
on her enquiring daughter’s
sad face of now it’s time
to take a closer look

at who made me
did they love each other
and why did they do the stuff
they did

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I have two large containers holding letters and photos dear Chris. I love the old photos and old letters. Reminders, once. Many people had concern for us.
"at who made me
did they love each other
and why did they do the stuff
they did"
The above lines. I understand. Both grandparent stayed marry for 60 years. in good days and the bad. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for your kind words. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Memories are Songs and Steeple Bells that Ring in your Heart
where love and devotion dwell in gold and silver Vows...
Lovely lyrics with the scent of Wistteria... gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, you leave the most fragrant of reviews. Many thank yous for gracing this page. Sending warmest of wishes across the pond.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I am aware of the sadness in your poem. Our family has experienced a similar scenario. There are times when someone fills in and their love and caring is a blessing. My first review reflected this happening. Thanks for your kindness. softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat. Yes a spontaneous poem capturing the moment. It was sad for her, but for us too. You will understand if this has happened within your own family. You are thoughtful reaching out 🌹

[Patricia Wedel]

Thank you Chris… there are many stories that are sad for a Time; it is amazing how Guardian Angels can be a blessing. 😇 Pat

[Wandervogel]

Wow ......wonderful piece....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit and kind words.

Chris

[Nima.Hope]

True it is, at last, we are left with a treasure of memories, mind photos, photos that do not exist rather than in our mind and imaginations, of the people we loved and lived with...
It's so sad I believe, that we lose our dear ones, soon or late and sometimes we don't know it's going to be the last time. If we knew, we would have been more careful about the last memory we were going to make with them. I'm only 18, I can't imagine when I'm 70, many of the people in my life will be gone, I always wonder how people get used to losing their most beloved ones..
A wonderful poem, so personal to you dear Chris. Although you live in the UK and I live in Persia, I consider you like a friend and a family member of mine, your memories and the way you express them through poetry, makes us to live a glance of those memories. Thank you my friend, it's such a pleasure to know you.
Have a nice day🤍🌺

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Nima. You are wise beyond your eighteen years and your kind words today lift me. Have a beautiful day my young friend.

Chris

[Nima.Hope]

Thank you dearest Chris, it's always nice to chat with you🤍

[Ken e Bujold]

heart breaker memories, what a fine metaphor for time. grand poem here chris

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken for stopping by. Hope your Sunday has been a good one. All the best.

Chris

[Akinlolu]

We all get to that point when all we are left is a box of memories. Period. Those memories can wound or heal. It all depends. Humanity is an ever flowing river that meanders from generation to generation. Those who have gone before us have stories. We can only wonder about their actual dreams and motivations. As for me, I'd love to leave positive memories behind for those I meet and for my family. Thanks for a thought provoking poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Akinlolu for stopping by to share your thoughts on this poem. You are appreciated.
read moreMany thanks Akinlolu for stopping by to share your thoughts on this poem. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Archishman Rick]

Here the speaker seems to have stumbled upon a platform of unturned stones, unanswered questions and perhaps emotions unattended to. All courtesy of an intriguing "box". The memories this situation invokes are evidently taking her to uncharted territories of wistful longing that conscience and maturity alone have not taught to handle. The moments of a distant yesterday slipped away with little regard for the subject's comprehension, which today self-present through smiles, of people with varying propinquity and influence alike, in relation to her, gone all the same. Oh the nature of this realm. Even so, all this shall serve to aid in the growth of spirit, which the morrow awaits.
Blessings.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for the kind consideration given to this poem. You are most appreciated.
read moreThank you Soren for the kind consideration given to this poem. You are most appreciated.

Chris

[Archishman Rick]

You're most welcome, and certainly hope 'Soren' approves of you making me his/her namesake 😅

[Chris Shaw]

Oops, sorry my friend. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be apologies :)

[Archishman Rick]

Certainly no worries :)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“it’s time
to take a closer look

at who made me
did they love each other
and why did they do the stuff
they did“
Yes, the haunting question…the secrets and lies inherent in all families have dual-edged effects when looking back dear Chris. Your movingly beautiful poem attests to this. Each of us are differently vulnerable. Sometimes it’s affirming to delve into family history, but sometimes it is a big “box” of tearful hurt.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette, thank you for your words of wisdom on this write. Sometimes that box can provide clarity and understanding, at other times a whole lot of worms. I appreciate you and wish you a beautiful weekend.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

I wish u the same. Thanks dear Chris

[Sami Khalil]

I see happiness and sadness going together, with expectations looking for answers, in this smoothly written, heart filled story.
It makes us wonder...the reader too.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Sami. I appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts. Always appreciated.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure. You are welcome Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Such sadness in this exquisite post my friend. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sharon, thank you so much for your visit my friend. Have a beautiful Thursday.

Chris