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

[jacob erin-cilberto]

here and gone and forgotten...
there is such a haunting quality about this piece of poetry...
There is so much abuse that is never surfaced...when we have no one who will miss us...it is as if we never existed...ever.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you j. Yes, it is haunting that some disappear and are never found. Some are never even missed. I was trying to convey injustice here. I appreciate your stopping by.

[AYVID N]

She's gone. That fragment of torn white lace still hanging upon the gate is such a shattering reminder of evil that struck an innocent girl. It's even more tragic how she was removed from her life yet now is considered dead, buried and gone while the predators often get granted compassion. You bring out the unfairness powerfully with this poem and it stays on with the reader. Absolutely touching.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. You are so right. Life is unfair. This poem was about injustice. She is forgotten. He got away with it. This happens every day in all parts of our world. Women suffer everywhere. Much appreciated my friend.

[AYVID N]

Not much has changed, indeed.
I appreciate your thoughts very much and hope for a better tomorrow.
Have a beautiful day, my friend.
🦚🥀🌳☘️🪴

[Coyote Poetry]

I have been watching the TV shows about crime. So many people disappear and become forgotten. The tale in the poetry. Great use of description and a lonely ending. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend for stopping by today and leaving me such an encouraging review. You are very much appreciated.

[Coyote Poetry]

I love your work dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... so many Gone... as though Storms have torn our Heart to pieces. If only there were more Flowers and Birdsong where People could belong and become a World of orchestrated Overtures. We could be a Beacon of Goodwill..
gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, we live in a divided world sadly, and I can see no signs yet of change, although I live with hope in my heart. Thank you for calling on the first poem I have written for months. Your visit has added value to my day. 🌺

[Neville]

Although life so often sucks and here you have dubble underlined that sorry fact, there is yet beauty here .. one just need look for it and read between the lines .. indeed, if not for her .. this might easily be taken for a harvest or thanksgiving song .. a celebratory poem .. but she will always be here and so otherwise unsung .. 💜

[Chris Shaw]

There is always beauty if we care to look. Hopefully the beauty will linger far longer than the ugly. There are many unsung. I chose to remember them in this short poem. Many thanks Neville. Have a great Sunday.

[Lorry]

I swear that when Eva Cassidy started singing fields of gold in line 2 that this was going to be a beautiful, poignant and happy tale, but like life has a way of not always giving us happy endings, your tale spoke the truth for so many of the lost and forgotten who died before their time and in quite horrific conditions that only future archaeologists can ponder at what the hell was going on with us, the savages of so many of the losts times.
This reminds me of s movie I once saw but time has lost its title in my mind. I think it starred saorise Ronanand may very vaguely have been called lovely bones. My mind is so foggy I expect Jack the Ripper to appear from the fog any minute!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Lorry. Yes the scenery may be beautiful, but it can hide some horror stories. Please don’t resurrect the Ripper. He is better off in hells hot house. Have a great weekend.

[Sami Khalil]

A sad portrayal of the events that happened in Northern Ireland between the 2 warring factions and the multitude of deaths resulting. Hard and sad times. Reminds me of the Middle East but on a smaller scale.
Glad it was resolved relatively. Good for everyone involved.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami. Yes, is was a really sad time. Thankfully now a thing of the past. I have visited both north and south Ireland and worked there. It is a beautiful country and the people are wonderful. I appreciate you stopping by poet friend.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Good to know. You are welcome Chris.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

this was a very dark piece. and i have to ask, what inspired it?
stylistically, this was well-written. the unexpected rhymes really work. it is a beautiful elegy to an unamed person, one whose life was cut short. and how does one grieve with injustice? as if loss was not hard enough. a thought-provoking piece but soul-crushing, a great blend of pathos and ethos.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ern for your review. Yes it is a very dark poem. It was influenced by the troubles in Ireland in the 1970’s. Soldiers and civilians murdered and never found. I modified the story line. Yes so sad. Injustice was on my mind. I appreciate your time.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

that's very interesting. i've read one book about the troubles, and it was such a heart-wrenching conflict with so many innocents lost. i know that it is still a topic that brings pain and sows division in the island of Ireland, so i understand now why you were vague with the details. i can only pray that peace and reconciliation will follow.

[Marie]

Oh, what a very poignant write you have superbly crafted, Chris. The story of a fateful night is captured superbly through both excellent word choice and depiction, it is very finely narrated. A truly heartrending write from your poetic pen as you painted a picture for your reader from life's other side, Chris. Thank you for sharing...

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Marie, thank you so much for leaving me your thoughts on this poem. So pleased you stopped by this evening. All good wishes.

[Marie]

Most welcome always, dear Chris. Every good wish with brightest Blessings your way... 🌹🌹🌹