Gone

A story

the wind that blew
across the fields of barley
ripened in the sun
whispered words of secrets heard
to listening ears of mischief done

yet now the harvest gathered in
leaves no sign of what took place
though left to hang upon a gate
a fragment caught of torn
white lace

so where is she the girl he kissed
before he struck that fatal blow
no witnesses to tell the tale
she a loner isn’t missed
she’s buried in the earth below

there she lies in long dug ground
defiled and tragic, undeserved
her resting place away from all
the living hearts that daily beat
she’s never likely to be found

Reviews

[Laz K.]

The plot and the mood of your poem reminded me of ballads like "The Highwayman," or "Lord Randall." Very visceral, very human stories - just like this one here.

Ps.
I want to believe that there is divine justice - even if we cannot see it at work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Laz for stopping by to share your thoughts. I too would like to believe there is divine justice. I appreciate your comments. All the best.

[Vol]

Chris,
Have you read the novel "Lovely Bones," it is a similar tale of tragedy, beautifully told as well...
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Vol, you are the second caller to mention Lovely Bones. I am not familiar with the story. Thanks for the heads up, it sounds interesting. Many thanks for your visit. I value your comments.

[Vol]

Someday in the next year or so, I would love to visit Great Britain, tour around and meet some of my new WC friends..,

[Chris Shaw]

Have you been to the UK before Vol?

[Vol]

Chris,
No... only in my dreams... it holds the blood of my people and when i get there, I won't just kiss the ground, I want to WALLOW in it. I want to dance on it, I want to eat some of it. Sigh...
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

I love that my country has that effect on you. It will be like a homecoming:)

[Vol]

Chris,
Really and truly... I fell in love with the whole idea of England/Great Britain, whin I was nine years old and read Howard Pyles, "The Merry Advntures of Robin Hood." No book has ever made me cry like that one did... and I've wanted to live in the forest ever since.
Vol

[Lydia Shutter]

What a tragic tale you tell in this poem! A girl assaulted in a field and no one misses her....no one knows what happened. Surely the perpetrator will do it all again. Not sure if this is based on a true story, but it sure is powerful. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lydi*, this poem was much influenced by the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 70’s. People disappeared. The theme of this poem is injustice. She lost her life, he got away with it. Yes it is dark, the period in time was. Thank you so much, pleased you stopped by.

[MrBlack202]

A very unique poem, with a very dark poem especially from the second stanza.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, it is a dark poem. Influenced by the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970’s. I wanted to convey the injustice of what took place. Thank you so much for stopping by.

[Soren]

Dark very dark as dark as the grave. A murder and violation hidden that which is forbidden. There is no justice in this world except natures justice of death. This happens to all equally rich, poor evil good. I love this poem and it speaks to me in more than just its story, but in metaphor as well, we murder many things each day, though not literally metaphorically and they are buried not to be found

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren. Yes this is a very dark poem and influenced by the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970’s. I was very much hoping to focus on the injustice of Northern killings. The murder of civilians and soldiers and the perpetrators never being brought to justice. I appreciate very much your thoughtful and encouraging review.

[Rustling Leaves]

I love the back and forth of rhyming and not rhyming. The story is lowercase to keep the pace unbroken and letting the breaks do all the talking. It conveys the quietness of tragedies that get buried, the quietus even. It is quiet but in the way that a stranger staring at you is quiet.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by Rustling Leaves and leaving a review for me. I very much appreciate your visit. All the best. .

[John the Baptist]

Leaves me wondering if it is based on a real event. It comes across as a memory of one who lived in the area of the crime. I think the paucity of details is deliberate, the lack of the girl's identity making the crime all the more tragic.

[Chris Shaw]

The inspiration for this John was the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 70’s. I deliberately kept it vague. What I wanted to convey was injustice. Thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated.

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous imagery. You take the reader into the scene.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Thomas. I appreciate your words.

[Omikron]

Spectacular as always, Chris. I was appalled to see your account was down for a moment, I'm glad you're back. The world needs more poets like you in it.

[Chris Shaw]

Oh my friend, your review delights me. Thank you for your kindness. I took a break. I was weary. Your response, has lifted me. Thank you so much. I appreciate these words more than you know.

[Orphic Dreamer]

The storytelling and how you smoothly added the darker tones is almost seamless and breath-taking. It is so enigmatic and soul-wrenching in the best way possible.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is such an encouragement for me. I haven’t been able to write for a while. Thank you so much for stopping by today.