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

[Norman 223]

Memories of childhood can have a deep significance, as the will almost invariably relate to deeper attachments, that can never be replaced. but equally never forgotten . The analogy was brought out gently and realistically in your poem.Chris, that many will appreciate.
Norman

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Norman for your very thoughtful response.

Chris

[Crowley]

A very emotional tribute, what a great way to portray your love and a great relationship. Its heartbreaking and so full of grace and nostalgia at the same time. Dang...this was sad but well written.

[Chris Shaw]

Anniversary. Written a while ago, but thank you Crowley so much.

Chris

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

I felt every line of this piece... speaks of heavy lose, grief, but a sense of healing still finds it's way to the reader. Excellent.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Travis for your response. Pleased to meet you on my page.

Chris

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

The pleasure was mine.

[Lorry]

A wonderful memory to share, so beautifully written Chris. Those memories so bittersweet, with the pain of whats gone, along with the beauty and fond smiles those moments shared bring.
It's the immediacy and sharpness they jump into memory that for an instant, the speed of being back in that moment can be so alarming, but as you finish with so eloquently, the initial shock gives way to gratitude for the memory of time shared.
It does soften, but always the shadow of sorrow remains.

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are Lorry, the shadow of sorrow remains, even though the grief softens with time. Thank you for your very thoughtful response.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

when loved ones float away toward heaven...like balloons in the sky...
yes, grief bites so hard...
i lost friends who were as good as brothers and sisters to me...

i still look in the sky for those balloons....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Our losses get greater as we age, they become more frequent.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

By both blood and common experience, siblings are our closest relatives.
Profoundly touching, good poetess.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Terrible loss losing my younger brother. Your response touches me.

Chris