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

[Fran Marie]

Loss of any kind can be devastating
The balloons lost as a child and the
memories of your brother in both of
your childhood..grief does bite hard
indeed..glad the element of time has
soften the loss somewhat..well penned
piece here dear Chris..

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fran Marie. So appreciate you stopping by to call on this piece on the anniversary of my brother's passing. All good wishes.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

This is very powerful and touching poem. I love the tradition of releasing balloons to honor our loved ones in heaven.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dale. I truly appreciate your kind words and visit. All the best.

Chris

[emmajoy]

However hard we try, memories survive, which - in so many ways are precious. But, recalled at the wrong time, they really hurt. No answer except one's own personal coping mechanism, I suppose. Fine words, Chris, as always. Take care, keep safe, please.

[Chris Shaw]

So right Em. Those memories are precious and yet we have no control over when they resurface. They do as and when they will. Sometimes that can reduce you to jelly. Really appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Beautifully expressed are these emotions, love the flow and how I can feel the memories flowing ;-] I take my pen and salute you my friend ;-]. Wonderful

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeoing willow. Your stopping by today means alot. Pleased you like the tribute to my brother.

Chris

[Relic]

Yes, time is what we can't avoid in ordr to heal. That feeling of losing a loved one is feels like you're dying yourself. The pain is unbearable.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. Time softens the grief, the anniversaries have you reliving it. I really appreciate the visit. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This felt like I was actually seeing it! The bright balloons, the emotions, all of it. The hurt of losing a loved one does soften over time, but sometimes it doesn’t for everyone. It’s a sweet but sad poem, and an amazingly refreshing piece!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Colacat. Time does soften, but the missing is always there.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

loss of loved ones remains forever but it does soften .. felt and saw every bit of your setting and scene .. clever use of the red and blue says i! who hasn't felt that terror of loosing their red balloon to the wind .. we are told "Now hold tight or you'll loose it" ... but what child can focus that long ... you've given us a reminder of how love loss and grief works .. but more importantly a very beautiful tribute and remembrance of you younger brother ... love you Chris!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E. I can feel the warmth across the waves. Have a lovely day :)

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

read it again Chris! It speaks to my heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Mr E, you are a sweetheart. Thank you for revisiting. Means alot. Have a lovely day :)

[Betty Hermelee]

I love the structure of this poem, the rhyme and it's meaning of course; Not only have you lost the balloon, but it seems as if you are mourning the death of a close relative (maybe a sibling); and you wrote it in such a poignant way. some of the good times too. Time can certainly sooth the grief. Very lovey images.
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Betty. All the best.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re quite welcome!

[Ken Simm.]

A sweet but melancholy memory can evoke so much. People say that smell is the most evocative sense. I disagree, I think love is.
A beautiful poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken for checking in and leaving such a lovely comment.

Chris