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

[Betty Hermelee]

Dearest Chris...Honestly, this sounds like my mother...she took care of us, yet that's not quite the same as hugs, kisses, bonding, doing things together that make you laugh..connecting with touch and words...i
'm so glad that upon occasion, tears came to your eyes and hers, and that you and your mom could show some emotion together, so badly wanted and needed...a lovely tribute to reveal some fond memories...
hope all is well dear friend
Warmly
B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty for your understanding. We were much loved but not smothered lol. Yet, the hugs were there for the most important of occasions. All good wishes to you and yours. 🌹

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Good wishes to you as well🌷🌷🌷🌷
Always a pleasure😊
Warmly,B

[Matthew Daalling]

This is an extraordinary peace. I love the way you talk about tears that are not there, tears that are removed and weeping from your eyes. It's misleading in the most wonderful way. Thank you for the read really appreciate it you're awesome. Best matt

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Matt for your encouraging review. Pleased you enjoyed this poem and I appreciate you stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[Matthew Daalling]

Chris Shaw ladies and gentlemen. Thank you! For your poetry. It is truly amazing. You have it girl. Loved it. Love it. Keep it going. What do you think of my stuff.

[redd Brick Keshner]

Open arms and tears dried from cheeks, beautiful memories🕊🙏🏻

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fred’s for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

Your welcome, Chris 🙏🏻🕊
Freds.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Hello Chris. I never know just where you will take me. Here I thought I had dropped in on a peaceful morning sipping tea and enjoying nature then you took me deep into the sadness of your 28th year, leaving me wondering at the trauma that could make your mother cry for only the second time during your “together days.” I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret that, whether it meant your 28 years, or just a few days. The poem left me wanting to know more of your mother. Have you written of her elsewhere in the Cafe? Michael

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Michael. My 28th year was particularly traumatic but I have had many good years. I have written several poems about my mother. I will see if I can find one to give an airing to. I always appreciate your thoughts and your visits and look forward to them. Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

Beautifully penned … Ode to a mother .. there’s no one like them .. I was listening to the song Run just yesterday and it brought back memories of my mum to me
It is nice to reminisce over days gone by and to have their memories live on.
To pen them in such quality is an honour to your mum 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Katrina, it is lovely to have you back calling on my work. Thank you so much for your warm review. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

Your are very welcome Chris .
My grandsons are very entertaining and doing well.
Love to you and yours x

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Beautiful Chris I really felt this one
No one like mothers are there

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Julie. You are so right. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[A.H.]

memories are the most beautiful treasures we all have. once in a while, it's good to open the treasure chest and look around, collect those treasures and wear them for the moment. I like the way you wrote this - I can picture this, the image, the breakfast the tea, watching by window, to the grass blades, and the breeze and finally a remembrance of mother. and so beautifully you have worded your impressions. they strike the reader and paint a picture for a memory. thanks for sharing, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello AH. So pleased the imagery came through for you in this poem and you could picture the scenario. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It was lovely to hear them. All good wishes.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

It is fascinating how memories of long past events can be triggered by things in the present which have no apparent connection. Most of us don't really know our deeper selves that well, but they are never far away, and the memories that lie within them can be summoned in a moment.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. So true, when the mind wanders you don’t know where you will end up. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[red93]

Beautiful Words as ever Chris. Some magic happens when we write about our nearest and dearest. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thanking you Tony for your continued encouragement. Have s good Monday.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Nice movement from the tea to the grasses to the memory of your mother. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts are appreciated Winston. Many thanks for stopping by.

Chris