Sensing

written after The Wind Chime Tree

It was almost as if
Solo knew

sensing the violence
of steel blade slicing
through soft flesh

she sat on her hind legs
beside the wind chime tree
her eyes fixed on mine
then on the moving mobiles
as they twisted and trembled
on bare branches
tinkling in winter cold

then in solidarity she joined in
whimpering across the valley
my dog whimpered for
a boy departed she had
never known

Reviews

[Soren]

I was impressed with the multiple messages sent in one poem. Empathy that goes beyond species, beyond evidence, beyond knowing. There is a special bond between dogs and men and the history goes back before the dawn of recorded time. Probably the first animal domesticated by dogs, man has become his best friend. Dogs look after us far better than we do them or even ourselves. They know when we don't when we need help or love. A wonderful poem set so well with images of signs sent by the windchimes that twist and tremble. Loved it Chris masterfully done

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for such encouraging review. Yes, there was a great deal going on in this poem. A tragic situation. I appreciate so much your thoughts.

Chris

[Soren]

You are most welcome Chris

[Hossain Belal]

Your poem is deeply moving—it captures grief in such a quiet, intuitive way. I was struck by how naturally you connected the violence of loss with the stillness of the moment by the wind chime tree. The image of Solo sensing something unspoken and joining in the mourning, even for someone she never knew, was incredibly powerful. It says so much about empathy—how it can transcend understanding or even species. This piece stayed with me long after I read it.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your encouragement Hossain. Your visit and your thoughts are very much valued. Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding. All the best.

Chris

[Starr]

Wow, what an emotional write, I can feel this write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Starr for all your lovely reviews today. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Wow. Powerful work. You bring the reader into the scene and grab them. Excellent work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Thomas for stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[Pete]

canines are so aware with their sharp senses. quite deep and heartfelt. those wind chimes summon emotions to the surface. sad and touching. well said.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Pete. You are right about our canine friends their senses are more acute. All the best. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Writergurl]

WOW, this is memorizing really, you set a wonderful tone in this write.
enjoyed the read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you writergurl for your kind review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Solo, in the chimes, sensed your mood and the moment, Chris. I guess that's why dogs are our best friends :) ... another captivating write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dylan. She is a great dog. Getting older now, like me:) Pleased you enjoyed my poem.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

Bewitching, to say the least. Dark dark dark thoughts set against a simple backdrop. Evocative and moving Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken. A dark poem for a dark and tragic event, virtually on the doorstep. Couldn’t go back there for quite a while. All the best.

Chris

[nj coleman]

Wow. Hauntingly (is this a word?🤷‍♂️) devastating. I read it 3 times and each time the punch to the gut is harder and my air is whooshed out. Wow.
To have an impact like that is unique. Great work!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your interest in my work. Pleased you enjoyed my poem. All the best.

Chris

[Vol]

Chris,
Sometimes the setting is all that is necessary...
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Vol. The setting, yes. I do believe she was picking up vibes. She got quite distressed. All good wishes.

Chris