Holding On

an august birthday
finds auntie out of this world
within a communal lounge
in the company of
other wanderers and sleepers

comfy with cushions
oblivious today’s cake
will mark 91 anniversaries
since her Hammersmith birth

her memory shot to pieces
though she recalls every
minute detail of evacuation
during the war

her lips tremble

the blitz bombings
separated from parents
to live with strangers
at the tender age of seven

i spy clouds in her eyes
she drifts to no man’s land
a tear rolls and then another
she weeps in silence

before she blinks
to return to the land
of the barely living
to the only family remaining
in what has been a reclusive
and sad life

Reviews

[FGFRANKLIN]

Sad and beautiful. Sad that the course is almost over. Beautiful that the journey has been worthwhile. Strength and deep sadness often walk hand in hand for it is by effort and trial that we are made both patient and strong. Everyone suffers, everyone must but that is the cradle of empathy; knowing there is no monopoly on pain. The longer we live, the more we suffer but such is life. The healthy nature will understand that life is also moments of joy and color and beauty, softness, warmth and tenderness and we squirrel those times away in secret places we revisit in memory.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Fabian for such a thoughtful review. I appreciate very much your comment. Have a peaceful Wednesday.

Chris

[FGFRANKLIN]

Celebrating Thanksgiving today, got a turkey in the oven right now. ;)

[Chris Shaw]

Enjoy that turkey. A very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours:)

[AYVID N]

Dear Chris,
Your aunty has lived through such great transitions and wars. She has seen a century pass by. Yet as you so beautifully mentioned the word, we are all, in the end, wanderers. Just passing through. Even as her mind was losing itself, her memories becoming shadows, she has held on to what had the most profound impact on her soul. She has retreated into that traumatic time when all that she held precious was almost lost. It also struck me how childhood trauma scars our memories forever. Perhaps, a comforting touch would soothe her and allay the fear she still feels, in that out of touch place where she now resides. I loved this poem. You're such an amazing poet.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right DIVYA, she is soothed by very warm hugs. They mean so much to her. Thankfully, she still knows who I am. Your kind review touched my heart. It means so much to me that my writing is appreciated. Your friend.

Chris 🌺

[Dave]

Chris - I'm rapidly approaching 90 myself. I reflect on all that I have seen, but surely nothing like Auntie. I remember WWII only as a time when my father was away and my mother would take me to the huge convention hall to see the military equipment on display there.I was fascinated, but never traumatized.
What a shame that her remembrances are so sad, those that she can remember.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate your visit.
All the best.
read moreThank you Dave for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate your visit.
All the best.

Chris

[Dave]

I'm so glad to hear from you! You had me concerned for a while. Thank goodness you are fine.
read moreI'm so glad to hear from you! You had me concerned for a while. Thank goodness you are fine.
Take care - Dave

[Jessalynn]

Wow this piece is powerful and heartbreaking. What a read thank you for sharing

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jessalynn for your kind review. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

Having had close experience of someone like this those lines certainly resonate especially the line barely living.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your words Ken. Sad that you can relate to this experience. Not a good place for anyone to find themselves in. All the best.

Chris

[Tom]

Powerful and profound, dear Auntie experienced much, too much trauma and at such a tender age, sadly now mentality in decline but on her 91st birthday there's not many get that far ..

Inspiring!!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tom. Sadly her childhood trauma has influenced her whole life. I appreciate your thoughtful review. Have a good day.

Chris

[Seashell]

This is heartbreakingly felt. You captured your Auntie in a world she never thought she’d be part of for sure. So very well written. Thank you

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Seashell for your thoughtful review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

such a sorrow-tinged read Chris. The closing lines, "return to the land of the barely living " brought to a standstill.

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your thoughts Ken. Pleased you stopped by to share.

Chris

[Relic]

It's so sad to see people we love slowly disappear from life through no fault of their own. Life is not fair.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tim for your thoughts. I appreciate you stopping by. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Soren]

The reprieve from life through past memories. A sad write Chris of a lady and her life. Now the best she can expect is comfort either physically or in her remembrances. Moving

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Soren. She is in a very comfortable home with wonderful staff, a mile away from where I live. It’s a sad life she has led. All the best.

Chris