I Say Your Name

Mum Third Anniversary 1st Feb.

there will be no mourning
only gratitude for memories
placed with flora in glass vases
cream tea roses and pink carnations
while on the mantle there will be
white candles scented
effusing bouquets of jasmine love

my mind will carry my heart
in thought flight to the west country
where the tides embrace Anstey’s Cove
and kiss the feet at Thatcher’s Rock
wild water washing away
the last days of suffering, leaving
images of you smiling and waving

Reviews

[Soren]

So lovely Chris it has such a Celtic, Nordish, Scottish, Irish, British feel to it with the scenic features and it calls out to the reader to see it, hear it and in its melancholy it is sadly wistful. Beautiful Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for such a lovely review Soren. Pleased the Britishness came through. We have links to Scotland and Wales too. All part of our rich tapestry. Have a beautiful day. Your kind words are appreciated.

Chris

[Soren]

You are most welcome my last name wandered to the Americas from Ireland many generations ago.

[RomaJ]

Your poem paints a beautiful and poignant picture of saying goodbye. The imagery is so vivid -the cream tea roses and white candles -and it perfectly captures a sense of peace. I especially love the turn to Anstey’s Cove, where the wild water washes away suffering, leaving only the beautiful memory of a smile. It's a wonderful message about the power of memory to comfort us.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Roma, apologies for this late response. So pleased you picked up on Anstey’s cove. That place has special memories of my father. When I think of my mum, my dad is always close too. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

Chris

[DIVYA]

Dear Chris,

What a breathtaking description! "memories
placed with flora in glass vases
cream tea roses and pink carnations"

I kept turning that beautiful imagery in my mind for a long while. And then the white, scented candles. They completed this beyond captivating tribute.
The second verse speaks to me of renewal and hope. The heaven after the suffering. Loved the beauty of the tide.

A poem that'll always stay with me.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Divya, please accept my apologies for this late acknowledgement of your kind words. I so appreciate your beautiful thoughts. Hope you are doing well dear friend.

Chris

[.]

Ah this is so heartfelt. I lost my father at a very young age on my birthday and this made me smile somehow. Thank you for sharing, your words are powerful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Beren. Know your thoughts and your visits to my pages are very much appreciated. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[nj coleman]

I envision the writer, sullen and alone, in a big chair by a fire, cat or dog by their feet, gazing out on a cold, snowy night. The house held loved ones and laughter and now only the love remains.
I hope this was written from inspiration and not experience.
Beautifully written Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi n j. Many thanks for stopping by. Ha, my house is a riot of noise with lots of young people living with me. Sometimes I wish for the chair infront of the fire on my own:) The loss though, is one of experience. I appreciate your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A beautiful poem for your mother. I lost my sister two years ago. She had the Willow trees near. I go to them and I remember her smile, her laughter. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the amazing poetry about your dear mother.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for also sharing your sister with me. So hard when we lose such loved people from our lives. The willow trees are a nice place to go to remember. Pleased you enjoyed my poem, it means a lot. Especially this poem. Have a great day my friend.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris. We must remember the people, who loved us.

[Chris Shaw]

We must indeed. Have a good day Coyote.

[Amy R]

Magnificent write, again with the beautiful imagery.
The poem juxtaposes the pain of loss with the comfort found in cherished memories and the peacefulness of nature. U wrote this piece with so much gratitude flowing from it.

-Amy

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Amy. Yes dear poet, gratitude for having a wonderful mother who is so sadly missed. It was also her birthday last week, so there were two anniversaries to consider. I’m delighted with your kind review. So pleased you stopped by. Have a great day.

Chris

[Amy R]

Aww, I can say she's happy to see this, you're welcome kindly.

[Michael Sun Bear]

This is beautiful writing Chris, the words so carefully chosen and placed. In the first verse you take me into your own home; I can so clearly see the flowers, the mantle. Then you take me to a specific spot on the coast of your country, a place I have never visited, nor likely never will. But you have taken me there. Thank you. And overall you take us to the geography of the heart, describing events and emotions we all must deal with at some point in our lives. Well done. MSB

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely review Michael. I do try hard to create images in my poetry, so I am so pleased you mentioned that. Pleased you felt transported to places you haven’t visited yourself. I also try to convey emotion in my work. I am so pleased that you enjoyed my poem. It means a lot to me.

Chris

[Starr]

This is heart tugging, I liked your last two lines. I can feel lots of emotion in this.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Starr for sharing your thoughts on my poem. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

Such a beautiful celebration of life and love, Chris. Their name is bright like the celestial bodies that sentinel our world 🙏🏻🕊
Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Freds for your lovely response. Very much valued.

Chris