Legacy

wild heather in the highlands
lay thick across the vista
a purple headed carpet
spread wide before my eyes
the sky a raspberry sorbet
the loch a lake of echoes
and there the sound of bagpipes
a lonesome piper playing
drowned out the calming silence
he stood there serenading
pink ripples on the water
my love he turned towards me
it was a tender moment
a tender tender moment
a tear fell from his eye
swamped by the sense of history
the castles and the battles
the wretched cries of battle
the clan men clashed in battle
like every conflict since then
no matter the location
the loss is overwhelming
division more division
no winners only losers
this heart is done with clashes
this heart is done with battles
the nails are in the coffin
what’s left a bridge of sighs

Reviews

[Pete]

ouch. deeply touching. doesn't just tug at heartstrings but yanks them. ive always been moved by movies showing men in kilts with bagpipes marching into battle or playing at funerals. your words offer justice to injustice. change is the only thing that needs be whistled in the wind.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed this one Pete. Scotland is full of rich history, amazing scenery and there is something about a piper playing a lament which reaches the core. Thanks so much for reading Legacy.

Chris

[Pete]

i loved mel gibson in braveheart, one of my favorite movies. i was planning on visiting at one time but then the kids showed up. it was planned and but she was expecting.

[Chris Shaw]

Brave heart, difficult to watch in parts. Such a bloody history. Put it in your bucket list of wants:)

[Pete]

i will. i was dying to stand on a cliff with a green meadow and sheep behind me and the crashing ocean with rocks in front of me.

[Chris Shaw]

Now you have reminded me of a Thomas Hardy classic. Far from the Madding Crowd. A bad and mad sheep dog drove the farmer’s flock over the cliff edge on to the rocks below. Such carnage. He then shot the dog and at sixteen I was in floods of tears :)

[Pete]

lol. perhaps that's when the poet in you was born.

[FlaLover]

Powerfully profound!
I imagine many people can relate to this as either character.
I have a few friends who suffer at some level with their memories.
As always...your work is brilliant!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for stopping by and for your encouragement. Much appreciated.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Delightful. I am certain you grandfather would be nodding in agreement with me and hppy to see his introduction took hold.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Winston for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. Much appreciated.

Chris

[berenongur]

wow I was breathless. the ending definitely ripped a piece out of my heart, I lost that battle.
the poem made me feel this at first; you know when you go to a museum or an ancient city and think "wow people lived here before and who knows what stories they had". i think this is a real legacy.
then the story evolved to something else, reminding me that love is also a real legacy, and especially when there is a party left behind. really powerful, i loved it
thanks for sharing, i love your work

Beren.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Beren. Scotland is rich in history as well as the most beautiful of landscapes. It’s quite a while since I visited. I’m delighted that you enjoy my poetry and this poem touched your emotions. Your review is very much appreciated. Have a good Tuesday.

Chris

[keith]

ya had me at raspberry sorbet ... my favorite
it's a long wintry wait until my berry garden offers me sweets again
so many metaphors striking a note with me ...
a lonesome piper playing
the wretched cries of battle
no winners only losers

this resonates
thanks friend best to ya eh?

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Keith. A belated happy new year to you. Thanks for stopping by and reading Legacy. It’s a long time since I was in Scotland. Such beautiful landscape with a rich history of battles. Hope all is good in your world warrior. Best wishes

Chris

[J Todd Underhill]

Quite a good write here... read through a few times. I enjoyed it and the colorful imagery contained within.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit and kind review Todd. Pleased you enjoyed Legacy, especially that you read it a few times. All the best.

Chris

[poetgurl]

spread wide before my eyes
the sky a raspberry sorbet
the loch a lake of echoes

I love this play on words, this is wonderful

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely review. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

Such a a powerful meditation on the lasting legacy of conflict and the yearning for a more harmonious future. I am blessed by this Chris, thanks. 🙏🏻
Freds

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Freds pleased you enjoyed Legacy. Scotland has a rich history of conflict within its beautiful landscape.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

Most welcome Chris 🙏🏻🕊
Freds

[Lydia Shutter]

Heavy sigh! You transported us to the scene. "Pink ripples and raspberry sorbet"....delicious imagery! Romantic and yet wistful....your poetry brings out so many emotions. Indeed, the loss is overwhelming when wars and skirmishes exist. Beautifully written. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi** for your kind words. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Grant]

And good use of repetition

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Grant