Breakfast Reflection

breakfast tea
from plain white china
steam on my lip
through sips i watch tall river grass
from plate glass windows
cleaned to a gleam

in the marina basin
movement
see light feathery plumes
catch a gentle breeze
how resilient they are
standing to attention in sunlight
a firm backbone like my mother
not one who wore her emotions
where they were seen
yet her devotion to family
unrivaled

her absent tears flood my eyes
she cried only twice during
our together days
once when my father died
but before that
there was something else
which caused a waterfall
to spill over in a fountain
of sadness

i recall her open arms
as they reached out to embrace
a tear stained and shaken me
in my twenty eighth year

Reviews

[LynGeist]

I can't help but wonder what your 28-year-old self must have been suffering for a stoic mother to have tearfully embraced you.

I don't know how old you are, but you are gifted. Loving poetry at 9 yro and not writing a single line until 40, makes your words even more impressive to me. It must have been in your mind all along. For a time I wrote and posted because I wanted validation. I guess that too drains away as we get older because now I write because I enjoy the wordplayand because it's in my heart. Every now and again I come up with something I'm really happy with. I've read several pieces of your work today and am inspired by your talent.

have you ever taken any writing courses? I have not, but I might one day. lol

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lyn, appreciate the interest you have shown in my work. I am a grandmother, a bit coy about my age!! The event at 28, was a huge hurdle for me to get over, but I did. You say some really nice things about my poetry. I did do a couple of online courses about ten years ago, but mainly I am self taught. I am not at all ambitious with my writing, I have been published, but a while back. I write for the love of it. So pleased you stopped by. All the best to you.

Chris

[DIVYA]

Dear Chris,

Reading this poem, I could see the tall river grass, regal and graceful, with supple and strong backs and then I think of your mother who was so brave and resilient in life. Those who weep less sometimes feel the deepest. I'm awed by your reflections. I can feel the profound depths from which you miss her noble presence. Sending you much love and strength. God bless you, my dear friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear DIVYA and apologies for not responding sooner. Your reviews and presence on my page are truly treasured. Your words touched ne greatly. 🌹

[Fabian G. Franklin]

It's so sad to have a loved one slip away before your eyes. As a care provider for my mother the last five years of her life I can say that with unfortunate confidence. But, we fight the good fight. We accent quality over quantity and make everything better and easier in the transition. It's no small task or responsibility to be someone else's everything when they are most in need. But I was taught how to accept both responsibility and defeat with grace by my mother. "You do what you can and do your best then you can walk away with your head held high and your dignity intact." I enjoyed the read. Bless, F.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Fabian, thank you for sharing and stopping by. All good wishes. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[emily.c.]

The imagery you created is so lovely and adds so much emotion to your poem. Loved reading this.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear emily. Pleased you enjoyed my efforts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Soren]

Fond memories of strength and love. Very nicely worded in such poetic style. Very nice Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for your kind words. Very much valued and appreciated.

Chris

[Ashi written tale & poe..]

Through the poem, you have described how the mother is strong enough to face every day with stillness and steadily live life with her own family.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ashi. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on my poem. All the best.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dearest Chris...Honestly, this sounds like my mother...she took care of us, yet that's not quite the same as hugs, kisses, bonding, doing things together that make you laugh..connecting with touch and words...i
'm so glad that upon occasion, tears came to your eyes and hers, and that you and your mom could show some emotion together, so badly wanted and needed...a lovely tribute to reveal some fond memories...
hope all is well dear friend
Warmly
B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty for your understanding. We were much loved but not smothered lol. Yet, the hugs were there for the most important of occasions. All good wishes to you and yours. 🌹

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Good wishes to you as well🌷🌷🌷🌷
Always a pleasure😊
Warmly,B

[Matthew Daalling]

This is an extraordinary peace. I love the way you talk about tears that are not there, tears that are removed and weeping from your eyes. It's misleading in the most wonderful way. Thank you for the read really appreciate it you're awesome. Best matt

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Matt for your encouraging review. Pleased you enjoyed this poem and I appreciate you stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[Matthew Daalling]

Chris Shaw ladies and gentlemen. Thank you! For your poetry. It is truly amazing. You have it girl. Loved it. Love it. Keep it going. What do you think of my stuff.