Loved Without Saying

( inspired by Neville’s poem The Look On His Face That Said Everything)

i didn’t get the chance to
tell my father how much he
meant to me

i feel sure in my bones he knew
and my blue mood is unnecessary yet
it is a regret for which I can’t
atone

curtains surrounded his hospital bed
they were drawn in mourning
it was a cold winter evening
he looked so alone

the dam burst
my tears fell on his closed eyes
then trickled down his pale
cheeks to dampen the new cotton
pyjamas purchased the day
before

i planted kisses on his brow
for each of my four siblings then
reluctantly after a while i stood
back to pause and look on his
much loved features

he had borrowed my tears
he was crying too

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

Chris my friend, this is so poignant, it reminded me of my father's last days and almost hoping in a way that he would close his eyes and silence would prevail; then he would be at peace....you certainly wrote an outstanding poem showing us your mood in this precious scene, making sure your dad heard you and I do think he did...and how you exchanged tears right before the end....and how stunning he looked .....
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty. I appreciate your thoughts. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome dear Chris... and have a sunny weekend!
Warmly, B

[Ken Simm.]

Oh he did. This poem couldn't have been written without him knowing.Even with the words unspoken. Far more information is given without words than we know.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken for your kind review. Happy Easter. All the best.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

This one deals with a situation many of us face. We assume someone dear to us knows how we feel about them, and then when they are gone, fear we have not been explicit enough. My belief is they know full well how we feel about them, especially if the relationship has been close and ongoing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for a reassuring review. Happy Easter to you.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Wow. Beautiful painting of the scene. Tremendous work.

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate you Thomas. Happy Easter.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

I think the price of a lifetime of love is a painful ending.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you David. Happy Easter to you.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Such a beautiful heart felt write Chris, very moving ;-}

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Weeping willow thank you for your kind thoughts. Hope you are keeping well my friend.

Chris

[Papaya]

A very moving write, Chris. Saying I love you wasn't done when I was growing up. I don't know why.
My parents are quite old now and have only just started saying it. But the love has always been there. Actions speak louder than words.

[Chris Shaw]

Such A thoughtful response. Thank you so much for stopping by. I have been reading your wonderful poetry.

Chris

[Papaya]

My pleasure, Chris. And thank you for popping in to browse some of mine.

[Poetic Beauty]

The loss one feels when someone they love dearly departs this earth on to the next adventure, for me that would be Heaven.

The sharing of tears is an amazing stanza and it is extremely profound. Heartbreaking and loving.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you PB. I appreciate your thoughtful response. Hope your Easter Sunday has been happy.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

I have had a happy Easter spent with family

[Pete]

top notch. beyond touching. recently lost both mom and dad and felt this way. so much seemingly needing to be said but words aren't there at the time. just being there, mere presence speaks volumes in silence. i was proud and grateful to help feed dad and hold mom's hand.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pete for a lovely review. Hope your Easter Sunday is going well. All the best to you.

Chris

[Amy R]

What a touching piece written so nicely.
Take care !

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Amy for your kind review. Your words are appreciated.

Chris

[Amy R]

You're welcome

[red93]

So beautiful Chris. Truly you are a Word Magician and no mistake. Happy Easter ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony for your kind words. Wishing you a very happy Easter.

Chris