Balloons and Brothers

(Remembering my younger brother)

A gust of wind whipped my balloon,

on string tucked in my hand it tugged.

My fingers felt the final slip,

I held on tight but lost my grip,

I watched aghast it sailed away.

I've not forgotten that day when

my young voice strained and screamed out loud.

My loss etched deep, a child's despair

as floating red, reclaimed by air,

my smile replaced by blue dismay.

 

I search this morning's pink streaked sky

recall our childhood you and I.

As sun wakes up to warm my soul,

my sorrow breaks, I'm far from whole,

those thoughts of you bleed through and often.

Grief bites hard, yet time can soften.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Chris, I can identify with this one. While I am an only child, I spent most of my childhood with my cousin. When someone you have shared so much with is gone, it seems as though the memories get blurry. The honest emotion in this poem resonated with me. The rhythm and rhyme of your lines makes for a lovely flow. May the memory of your brother always be a blessing to you. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi** I appreciate your share here. Your review is encouraging and your thoughts kind. read moreThank you Lydi** I appreciate your share here. Your review is encouraging and your thoughts kind.

Chris

[ProphetsMother]

You pulled up a good memory for me about signs you see in life and God trying to show you glimmers of hope. Every old person I've talked to never felt their age so they never really grew old. It's nice when you don't lose your spark I like it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit to my oage and for sharing your thoughts. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Patricia]

very well done! great flow, rhythm and rhyme, love the poetic ride through memory lane.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Patricia for your encouraging review. Have a great day.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

I don't think grief ever goes away Chris, especially on days like this when all those memories come flooding back.
A quiet day for you then .... a day of love and reflection ♥

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Stella. Anniversaries can be difficult. It was on the 12th but have been very busy. Remembered to post today. He is never that far away:)

Chris

[Stella Armour]

i never had siblings , so i can't pretend to know how sad you must be feeling .
But sending you a ((hug)) and love today ..

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, thank you Stella. I was blessed with two sisters and two brothers. We have always been very close. The loss of a sibling can be devastating, but having them has been the richest of all blessings:) I have never been lonely.

[Stella Armour]

......................♥

[JENNY]

Life is all about riding a bike without a fuel gauge full of uncertainties.
Though loosing dear ones is something we can never come above but we can find ways to feel better by doing good deeds .

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Jenny for stopping by to leave your thoughts. They are most welcome.

Chris

[DIVYA]

Dear Chris,
These words bring on tears...
Indeed, we are far from whole, we'll never be.
A part of us goes away with them.
That childhood has gone away to live forever in that pink streaked sky.
Time softens grief, the void remains.
Your pen moves me always...

[Chris Shaw]

Dear DIVYA, I know full well that you understand the emotions in this poem and I thank you so much for stepping by to review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[DIVYA]

You are always welcome, dear Chris.

[carl]

This is really a nice piece of work. Great flow to the reading, great visual images and expression. "thoughts of you bleed through and often" great capture of emotion. thanks for posting. -carl

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Carl. I appreciate your kind review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

I have always told my siblings that I would be the first to go because I didn't want to mourn their passing! Few things are as indelible as shared childhoods and I cannot imagine the pain you must feel dear Chris:( for that I am so sorry! Having been to the "other side" I also cannot help but see him looking at that sky too and wishing for you as well!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Bunny, such a lovely review from you and I am so pleased to see you. Hoping your health is improving with time. Take it easy my friend. All the very best to you.

Chris

[Pauline]

Hello Chris. A beautiful poem of rememberance and so very well written as is your way. (Tomorrow is my Diane's anniversary.)

Pauline.xx

[Chris Shaw]

Anniversaries are difficult Pauline. Brings sadness as well as happy memories. You will know that. You take care and thanks for stopping by this morning. I have been so busy that I need to refocus on my poetry :) xx

[Neville]

This is what I call sad .. but am delighted to be number 51 ............... tis indeed quite something Chris
Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. Yes, it is sad and still after eight years, I smile at his memory and hurt at his loss. I appreciate you.

Chris