Shadow

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

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

What a lovely name, Chris; quite intriguing as well and now a “perfect” poetic Shadow, brilliant poem 🙏🏻🕊
Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Freds for your kind review. Pleased you enjoyed my childhood memory. Have a good day.
read moreThank you Freds for your kind review. Pleased you enjoyed my childhood memory. Have a good day.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

You’re welcome Chris🙏🏻🕊
Read more…

[MCS]

Your beautiful and sad poem took me back to age six when our little dachshund Mr. Brown passed. The whispers and the other sounds all came forward as you’ve so eloquently penned

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry to hear about your Mr Brown. So sad when we lose our pets Mary. Thank you so much for your kind review.

Chris

[schlanks]

Very well crafted. The slow unveiling of the scene, given enough to piece together reality before this poor child does, the opportunity to brace for their tragic realization... and the small leaf comparison really drives home how it feels to not be able to protect someone from these kinds of changes.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit and leaving me your valued thoughts. I very much value your comments.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Such a powerfully sad poem. I remember when my dad had to put downour rabbits that got real sick. it was gut wrenching.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale. So sad when we lose our pets. They are family. I appreciate you leaving me your thoughts. All the best.

Chris