Breakfast Reflection

breakfast tea
from plain white china
steam on my lip
through sips i watch tall river grass
from plate glass windows
cleaned to a gleam

in the marina basin
movement
see light feathery plumes
catch a gentle breeze
how resilient they are
standing to attention in sunlight
a firm backbone like my mother
not one who wore her emotions
where they were seen
yet her devotion to family
unrivaled

her absent tears flood my eyes
she cried only twice during
our together days
once when my father died
but before that
there was something else
which caused a waterfall
to spill over in a fountain
of sadness

i recall her open arms
as they reached out to embrace
a tear stained and shaken me
in my twenty eighth year

Reviews

[Dylan Macadham]

It fascinates me the way our minds wander > tall straight river grass > to a much-loved mother and a sadness comforted. As always, your words paint beautifully the moment, tweaking in my mind this moment our friend Mary's paintings :) ...Happy Weekend Reflections Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your thoughts Dylan. The marina environment is very relaxing so it is easy for the mind to wander. Thanks for saying I paint with words and you are right about Mary’s paintings, they are super. Enjoy the weekend.

[Poetic Beauty]

There are times when we sit and reflect on life. Often it is over a cup of tea or coffee. Many parents are stoic and hold in emotions to save their children pain or be there for others around them. Both of my parents tend to be this way.

The sadness is felt without tears in this piece and the memory of a strong loving mother. The description especially of the tea cup allowed me to picture this moment of reflection in my mind

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you PB for sharing your thoughts. Yes, over a cup of tea and often in the natural environment I reflect on what has gone before. Quiet moments, a brief respite in a busy world. You noticed my mum’s strength and her loving nature. I thank you for that.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome. While it’s mentioned more towards the end of this poem the truth is this whole piece is actually about your mum. Great work and detail

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you 🌹

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Beautiful...sad....I have a feeling of where this came from.
My mom rarely cried...at least in front of us....
maybe a facade, maybe just saving us the sight ....
I don't know...but I know there was a part of her heart that might have been absent for various reasons.
And she used to clean the china when she was upset...an outlet for grief...
Maybe I inherited that from her...I just don't cry...stays inside.
It will spill someday.
I obviously relate to your writing...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I have just read your surrender poem j. How strange the theme is similar. Our mothers returned to us. I penned this after breakfast at the marina on Sunday. Her presence was strong. I could hear her voice.

Perhaps they didn’t cry because the war years made them that way. Holding on to their feelings. Keeping an element of control when all around they were influenced by carnage and destruction.

The pause in your response tells me you lingered in thought. You related to my writing and that is so pleasing. Thank you for sharing your mom with me.

I wonder what will eventually make you spill those tears? Maybe you never will.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Superb imagery. You bring the reader into the scene.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Thomas for stopping by. Much appreciated.

Chris

[MCS]

Lovely read full of images both bright and sad. My mother was also no-nonsense and I miss her daily.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mary. Yes I miss my mum too and often my thoughts drift to her. I appreciate your kind words.

Chris