Shadow

Shadow

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

Amazing what gets dredged up in the memories. The pup’s name was shadow

"
outside the drawn floral curtains
in the scary dark night
a door closed

over and over
muffled whispers
of dad’s voice talking to
uncle phil

followed by sounds of
spades digging
in ground hardened by frost
striking on flint
grating on my mind
over and over

sharp stones in an untamed
garden in the cold of
winter

the dog had been sick
our fluffy black and white pup
my ears strained
what were they doing

and then
the penny registered
in my eight year old brain
dropping like a dead weight
hurting my heart

with horror
i listened to that scraping
and bedding down of soil
when i was unable to
shed a single tear

hiding
under the counterpane
trembling
like a small leaf buried
under a mountain of sadness

© 2025 Chris Shaw


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Reviews

The poem shows a child's experience of death, and her innocents know nothing. Lossing a pet is a painful experience.

Posted 5 Days Ago


Ah Chris, the poem is beautifully written and I feel such sorrow for your loss. Your words did not exactly drop like a dead weight but they certainly hurt my heart. I know all too well the pain of losing a childhood pet, a pet at any age for that matter. I have found the pain will not leave, even when offered in words to others.

Posted 3 Weeks Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Weeks Ago

Thank you again Michael, for another visit. Yes the pain of losing a pet lingers a long time. Didn�.. read more
This is a brilliant write and it was immensely moving. Great poetry and it was my great pleasure to read it. Highest rating I can offer other than my personal praise. F.

Posted 3 Weeks Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Weeks Ago

Thank you Fabian for your encouragement. Very much appreciated. Never forgotten that little pup. Did.. read more
Powerful. Such sadness. You covey it well.

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Weeks Ago

Many thanks Thomas. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris
we get it your life sucks, please tell me more..or don't my eyes are bleeding from reading crap all day

Posted 1 Month Ago


1 of 3 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

3 Weeks Ago

Do me a favour, don’t call again.
Wow! This is so sad. I can feel the horror of it. I had a dog that was hit by a car in front of me when I was little. I can relate. Great emotional piece, Chris.

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

So sad when we lose our pets. This has stayed with me a long time. That must have been an awful expe.. read more
You have written the grief so powerfully here. The sounds of the burial, the realization of an 8 year old mind come through beautifully. This is such a relatable poem on the death of a much loved pet.

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

Thank you so much DIVYA and for relating to my words. The loss of a pet is devastating regardless of.. read more
AYVID

1 Month Ago

Yes, they're family! I love my kitties. I totally get the feeling you shared.

You're .. read more
Thank you, Chris 🌿

For sharing this … it returned me to my first pet, a sweet little Welsh Corgi stray I named "Lady". We went everywhere together.
A few things this poem proves (besides that you're a brilliant poetess) is how deeply Shadow became a part of a young girl's gentle heart, and of your long ago lasting happy and sad memories … I can still close my eyes and remember Lady as though she were here with me now.

Parts of us never seem to grow-up, and some things we never get over.
Blessings! ⁓ Richard🖌

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

Hello Richard, thank you so much for your review of Shadow and for sharing your story about Lady. Ye.. read more
Richard🖌

1 Month Ago

Chris,
Your words have always inspired mine.
You are more than welcome ⁓ happy days .. read more
A most touching and sadness-filled poem; you write so effectively to convey the scars and emotions left all these years. Hard for an 8-year-old to fathom the realities of death even to a precious animal. Your poems are always top notch.

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

You are spoiling me Sami. Thank you for your kind words on this poem. Pleased you enjoy my poetry. H.. read more
Sami Khalil

1 Month Ago

You deserve it. And greatly appreciated.
"hiding
under the counterpane
trembling
like a small leaf buried
under a mountain of sadness"

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

Thank you Sami.

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20 Reviews
Rating
Shelved in 1 Library
Added on February 17, 2025
Last Updated on February 17, 2025

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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