A Twist of Fate

blown by warm breath from an

upturned palm to gently descend

into fast moving waters

from atop a rickety bridge

red rose petals fall on a cold day

to float hurriedly away

caught in a swirling current

they do not hesitate as their

fate is already known

they do not linger, they do not

tarry, for they are carried 

downstream on a sudden flurry

of windswept leaves

a golden handshake from an 

understanding nearby tree 

a trail of silent sighs

of dreams with invisible seams

of luke warm memories

Reviews

[Andrew John]

Petals fall. Leaves fall, too. We get that in the fall. Calendar-wise that season begins in two days' time here in the UK. Thanks for a picturesque parade of words, Chris. I feel not so much going downstream emotionally when I read good poetry. More of a lift.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. If these lines gave you a lift, then I am delighted. I appreciate your visit. Have a great week-end.

Chris

[Lorry]

And my silent sigh joins them, as I sip coffee at kitchen window, too scared to even venture out to see whatever it is that's falling from the skies, that resembles a milky slush puppy, to join the snow and ice on the ground, leaving me in a quandary as to whether I should wear workbooks, ski's or a toboggan 🤔
Thankfully I'm missing the rickety Bridge, otherwise I'd have to throw the canoeover my shoulder too.
Why does the weather hate me Chris, and why has it got bipolar?
I empathise with each and every one of those soggy cornflake leaves, I really do. 😊

[Chris Shaw]

So you have thunder snow Lorry? I heard all about it on the news and it must have been weird. I am sure the weather doesn't just hate you, it must hate everyone:) And yes I don't see why the weather can't be bipolar too. Can't sleep, so up at this early, early hour but know that is normal time for you. Keep safe and well. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Lorry]

Ot was only in Edinburgh, but must have been loud, as emergency services got 600 calls about it from people thinking it was an explosion.
Just got heavy rain on top of snow, so really slippy underfoot, but it's clear this morning, albeit dipping just below zero.
Don't know if I should drive or ski when I'm going out, so will probably just take a tea tray and toboggan 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Sounds a good plan as well as good fun :))

[Ruth]

Beautifully written Chris, an offering of heart..the visuals I can see so well, sublime piece :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ruth for your visit and thoughts. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[.]

So beautiful creation this is, they do not hesitate as their fate is already decided, wonderful line. Like this uprooted tree our uprooted dreams also floats in teary water, as they are died. No meaning of resistance. Really nice piece

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima. Been having an awful job trying to log in recently. The site is not working efficiently. All good wishes dear poet.

Chris

[.]

Yes they block the site after repeated log in effort, this is really awful

[Chris Shaw]

I am trying to be patient :)

[NotUsinganymore]

Very interesting poem about the environment impact. It was a good writing!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee, pleased to see you. All good wishes.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

in life we are carried downstream...we cannot go back against the current, but we ride the waves of memories...
and there is no fighting it...It is life...and those we pass like the nearby tree show understanding and empathy...but know they can't stop our flow either...
So we either swim to the side and get out of the river, or we go with the flow...and do the best
we can with the life we are given.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob for your thoughtful and appreciated review. The site is still misbehaving and I am having problems logging in, hence the delay in thanking you.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and I thought of Dylan...." A simple twist of fate"---

[Chris Shaw]

Of course :)

[Stella Armour]

I wonder who they were for?
A loved one no doubt and also i do truly believe that trees have souls and deep feelings , this make me think that maybe the lost loved one was a soldier maybe ...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella for your thoughts and your visit. Apologies for not responding sooner. I am continually having trouble logging in and commenting. Keep safe my friend.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

the poem gave me lovely images in my mind , the site is a bit unpredictable at the moment i must admit it's a bit hit and miss.