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

[Eilis]

What an evocative tribute, Chris. Loss is definitely a long road to travel with many bends. Working through those feelings can be such a challenge, but I like the way you focus on the way grief evolves. At times it’s sharp and others nostalgia makes the person a companion for a day. Even then it can blow about like a changing wind one day to the next. Your metaphor is so strong here.

You’ve offered such a touching portrait of personal growth and coping with this poem. Poignant and beautifully expressed.

[Chris Shaw]

Eilis your visits to my work are so much appreciated. Thank you for your kind thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[SeaJay]

I could feel your sorrow while reading your poem.
I am sorry for your loss. I'm sure he watches over you still, like a protective brother always will.

*Peace*Light*Love*Laughter*

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Sea Jay for your thoughtful response. Appreciated very much.

Chris

[augustus]

The moments of sorrow are often forgotten with the passage of time. Your piece is nicely written and I thank you for it.

[Chris Shaw]

And I thank you Augustus for reading this poem on the 5th anniversary of my brother's death. You honour us both.

Chris

[augustus]

I'm sorry to read of your personal sadness Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts much appreciated Augustus. You have a kind heart.

[Papaya]

time does soften but it never erases, and maybe it's good that it doesn't
beautifully written poem that connects with the heart

[Chris Shaw]

Please accept my apologies for the lateness of my thanks for your visit to this poem. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[john l smith]

Yes time does soften but sometimes the utter unchangeable big blank wall is very hard to deal with
Nicely written
Dave

[Chris Shaw]

I understand exactly what you mean Dave. Thank you for reviewing.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Grief is a difficult thing. Always with us, more pronounced at times that remind. You expressed this beautifully here. A poignant write

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lyn for your review.

Chris

[KCthelastboyscout]

A beautifully written loving tribute
I hope every time you remember your brother you are smiling.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you KC and in the main I do remember him with a smile on my face.

Chris

[Richard M]

Love this Chris; it brings back similar memories! Very catchy and love the rhyming. You have such a beautiful way of crafting words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Richard for reviewing. I appreciate your time.

Chris

[barleygirl]

This is precious! We've been on similar wavelengths in our recent scribbles! I gather you lost your beloved brother (sorry!), symbolized by the balloon floating away, & this is such a creative way to share your bittersweet memories. Some childhood moments are like punctuation marks to the rest of that stretch of time. You convey your feelings in a strongly palpable way (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. Anniversary, so I will always honour him.

Fondest

Chris