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

[Ken Simm.]

I almost feel this has a Thomas Hardy feel to it. A palpable atmosphere. That strikes home in its Englishness.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken and especially for mentioning me in the same breath as Thomas Hardy. If I remind you of his Englishness, than I am honoured. A poet and author very much admired. I appreciate you stopping by. Have a beautiful day. Hope all is well in your world.

[Andrew John]

I rather agree with Jacob's description where he talks of a haunting quality. There's certainly sadness here - and indeed a shudder. (Oh, and we do have ears and ears - the things we've had for years and years that will be witnessed by seers and seers! Cheers!)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. Yes we have ears, and so does the barley crop. I’m pleased that this poem created a haunting atmosphere. Many thanks for stopping by today. All the best.

[duff]

The title sets the tone in mystery and where this could go. Packed by raw emotion in rugged ground. Nice work Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks duff. Always good to find you have stopped by. I appreciate your encouragement. Have a good day.

[Samuel Dickens]

I search my imagination for more details, wanting to know how and why this tragedy happened. Like Jacob, I feel a haunting vibe to the story. For the life of me, I'll never understand such senseless brutality. I love your rhymes and the story is the best.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Sam for leaving me such an encouraging response. I appreciate you stopping by and I am pleased as punch that you liked the story line. Your stories are ace.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Such a sad tragedy too often real in a society where life is cheap and time is expensive. This reminded me of the true Appalachian tales of Tom Dooley and Frankie Silver. I enjoyed.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Fabian. Not familiar with the stories you have mentioned, but delighted that my poem was an enjoyable read for you. There is a great deal of injustice about. That was what I was trying to convey here. All the best.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

They're famous murders near where I grew up. Tom Dooley (actually Dula) was hanged in Statesville, NC in 1868 for the murder of his lover, Laura Foster. Frankie Silver (a woman) was hanged in Morganton, NC in 1833 for the axe murder of her husband in which all of his body was never recovered. They're both immortalized in poem, story and song. The Kingston Trio did a song called Tom Dooley that was very famous in the sixties.

[Chris Shaw]

Oh yes Tom Dooley. Hang down your head Tom Dooley, hang down your head and cry …..Remember that . Gosh, woman with an axe. How gruesome. Appreciate you coming back with further info. I’ve got some reading to do. Thanks Fabian.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

One of my ancestors, Mary Jane Denton, was supposedly at the hanging of Frankie Silver in Morganton in 1833. It was the last time a woman was hanged in the county. People were morbid in their entertainments back then. I imagine a lot of people gathered to see Henry's queen's heads roll. Not so different. But it's history and I love anything and everything about history, especially the anthropology and archaeology digs. Such interesting things. I had two brothers living in Statesville, one now living there. So...such cool things to explore close to home. I've been where Blackbeard the pirate was killed on Ocracoke Island a few times. I love it there. Real life is freaky and people think fiction is strange.

[Chris Shaw]

You know public executions, just freak me out, but history was very cruel back in the day. Particularly the Tudor period. Henry VIII was a tyrant.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I just finished reading Legacy by Susan Kay about Elizabeth I. Great book, though fiction. It still has some historical content. It was worth the 650 page read, definitely. Bought it at our local public library book sale. Love Kay's books. I had earlier read "Phantom" by her.

[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]

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]

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.