Earth's Salt

(memories of the fifties)

salt of the earth was Freda

a hard grafter who survived

doodlebugs in the blitz

never without a radiant smile

coty lipstick applied thickly in hot

pink layers perfectly blotted

saturday mornings she shopped for

confetti bought in woolworths

because she loved a good wedding

it mattered not a jot that she didn't

know the groom or his bride

she would wait patiently 

standing outside the church

so she could shower the newly weds

with her congratulations

and a handful of eccentricity

salt of the earth was Freda

salt of the best earth

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Another special one
Wow what a character was this lady and related to you too did you inherit her traits from her distant genes
I would of loved a great Aunt or similar like Freda
It reminded me of how Maude went to funerals and was standing in yellow bright ware (from Harold n Maude) only your Freda went to weddings
Enjoyed this !

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Julie. Freda was my paternal grandmother. Quite a character. Had a heart of gold, made her own happiness which was infectious. Not only did she love a wedding, she kept her Christmas decorations up for four months of the year:) Pleased you enjoyed this piece.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

How wonderful that there are people like this that 'pepper' our daily lives, these salt of the earth folks. A tribute and a reinvigorating recollection of a time long gone but not forgotten. Thanks for sharing. /Frederick.

[Chris Shaw]

She was a gem. No airs nor graces, just a happy go lucky make the most of the situation type. She spread happiness in her eccentric way. Thanks Frederick.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

A wonderful write on the kindness on can show to others, no matter what the event. That is certainly a "salt of the earth" person, always there to light up the sky. There aren't many like that. well done Chris!
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Betty. I appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris!

[Miss Sharon]

(salt of the earth was Freda salt of the best earth) Sounds like a special lady. Wish I had known her. Beautiful tribute Chris. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sharon. She was special, she was my paternal grandmother and I have lots of lovely memories of her. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[duff]

What an interesting piece Chris. This put a huge grin on my face and what a character your grandmother must have been. A huge heart indeed. A beautiful selfless act. Another great write my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous duff. Happy this poem made you smile. My grandmother grew her own happiness :) This is a lovely memory for me.

Chris

[DIVYA]

I love the portrait you sketch here, dear Chris. The one thing that struck me while I read the poem was the lack of ego and hangups people had back then in being there for others. The times were simpler and people were just less reserved, kinder and so much more affectionate than they are now. This was a very enjoyable and an outstanding read!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear DIVYA, life was simpler then, far less complicated and people had no money. My grandmother grew her own happiness. Always had a smile on her face and made the most of the little she had. Yes, she kept her Christmas decorations up as well till the end of March :) Thank you for stopping by my lovely friend.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem for dear Freda.
"and a handful of eccentricity
salt of the earth was Freda
salt of the best earth"
The above lines. Are amazing dear Chris. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Coyote. Freda was special. She is remembered with much affection. She knew how to find happiness even when the chips were down.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

We need people to give us strength dear Chris. Freda was special and you are welcome.

[KWP]

this is lovely
love the way you have composed this
love the language and the visuals
this was like a lucky dip and I came up trumps
my time well invested here

LOVE FREDA - how lucky anyone is to get married with Freda close by XXX

[Chris Shaw]

Hey KWP, so pleased you enjoyed this little bit of nostalgia. One of several I am working on. Thanks firca lovely review. Hope all is good with you xx

[Lisasview]

I do not know why Chris, but as I read your sweet poem I had chills and tears in my eyes..
Your description about this moment in life is wonderful.
I know Coty lipstick...brought back memories.
Really so loved this write of yours,
Lisa, in Spain

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lisa, thank you so much for that lovely review. Freda was my paternal grandmother, so she and her memory are very special to me. I'm pleased Freda touched you. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Lisasview]

You are very welcome!!
Good morning..

[Susan 🦋]

These are my kinda people!! and we need more of them. I don't know "Freda," but I love her :-) These smiling heart souls are a blessing to the world. I enjoyed this poem and all its good feels.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review Susan leaves me with a smile. Freda was my paternal Grandmother. She was a blessing to those who knew her. Many thank yous for stopping by.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Reading a Novel is good for the Heart 💜 and Soul… where ever we wander we witness Romantic celebrations… of course we want to celebrate and throw Confetti… We are Birds of a Feather… tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat. You reminded me how Freda loved her magazines, especially ones like Woman's Weekly which would feature stories of love and romance. She was a happy endings sort of person. On a couple of occasions when I was little, she would take me with her so I could throw confetti too. She was my Dad's mother:) All good wishes and love, winging their way across the pond to you and yours. Have a peaceful, restful Sunday.




Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris… my Birthday was Saturday, April 23… it was a Magical Day of special Birthday Cards Next year I will throw Confetti in the Air to Celebrate… I was born the Year that Disney introduced the Song. “When you wish upon a Star” from the Movie Pinnochio

[Chris Shaw]

Dearest Pat, your birthday on Apr 23 is the same day as we celebrate St George's day. He is the patron Saint of England. I hope you had a very special birthday. My favourite Disney movie is Banbi, although I have seen most of the earlier ones including Pinnochio. When you wish upon a star is a beautiful song. We are away from home. We scattered my mum's ashes yesterday.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... Monday April 25 will be a special day for you. My husband Roger and his sister Pris spread the ashes of both their Mom and Dad in New York Harbor. Roger and Priscilla were a year and a half apart in age. Pris has now passed; however she left us with three beautiful Oil paintings of Spring, Autumn and Winter. that were painted by her a few years ago. Perhaps I will paint one of Summer as time goes by. Even though we have Turmoil in the World... we can Pray that we will be allowed to enjoy Nature and Art as well as Music and Poetry "Until Kingdom Come". May God Bless You and Keep you Safe and Secure. Love and good wishes. Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my dear friend :)