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

[John the Baptist]

Are we talking about a real box, or does the poem refer to the place in the subject's mind where her deepest memories reside? Could be either. Whatever, she is examining her past and looking at familiar images of people whom she thought she knew, but now is wondering how well. She sees images of her parents and realizes she can't remember her father. The picture of her mother reveals smiles but she finds herself crying and wondering about "the people who made me." An open minded look into the past can be both edifying and painful. Be advised.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for sharing your thoughts John. Yes, when it comes to the past, it can go two ways. All the best.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

We drive ourselves crazy with whys. Best to accept without questioning motives.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Winston. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Lorry]

A very sad place to be, not knowing who you came from, that are mere strangers in photographs and no part of f their lives Chris.
A heartbreaking tale, so wonderfully captured.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry for sharing your thoughts here. All the best for your out of hospital day.

Chris

[Lorry]

😊😊😊😊😊

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Very good poetry.

One should never forget the past.

;)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kindly for your words and a second visit today.

Chris

[The_Ancient_Rock]

You are most welcome!

;)

[red93]

Yr Free Verse is really hitting the right notes now Chris and has developed mightily over this last year. These family reflections are a rich vein for you, full of warmth and recollected emotion. Really Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony for your continued encouragement. You are appreciated. Have a happy Wednesday.
read moreMany thanks Tony for your continued encouragement. You are appreciated. Have a happy Wednesday.

Chris

[willweb]

Another sad and touching poem from your pen my friend, Sorrowed ink seems to flow smoothly and creatively when you write and we are all thankful you allow us to read them with you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks will for your kind comments and for your continued support of my writing efforts. Have a great Wednesday.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is heartbreaking. makes me think of my grandfather and his other three children...
and how he abandoned his own...and what my mother went through...too close to home here, but such a good poem.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks dear J and sorry if this touched a nerve.

Chris