Red Kite Down

(magnificent, even in death)

imagine this avian marvel
moments before he tumbled
out of morning sky
once majestic in countryside flight
soaring before death dealt
its final blow

i am thankful i didn’t see
his fall from grace
didn’t see him die on the wing
to find him spreadeagled
amid the pine cones littered
on this overgrown path
in a discarded graveyard

Reviews

[Ayesha Faiz]

This piece is hauntingly beautiful, rich with quiet grief and reverence. The contrast between soaring flight and sudden stillness is deeply moving, and the restraint in not witnessing the fall adds a poignant layer of respect. The imagery—“spreadeagled amid the pine cones” in a forgotten place—evokes both sorrow and awe, capturing the fragile dignity in death. It lingers.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ayesha, thank you for stopping by to review my poem and to leave your thoughtful comments. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Ayesha Faiz]

You're very welcome...

[Soren]

Sorry Chris metaphoric comes to mind. Here a soul flying high in life only to experience a fall. To die an ignominious death and be forgotten. So sad a demise while still young. Great writing Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Never be sorry. I truly value all comments left on my page Soren. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Pete]

kites are made for flying. i'd hate to see it as well. i adore nature. things like that are disturbing. all of creation is a magnificent gift as are your words in tribute.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for those kind and supportive words Pete. Hope all is good with you. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

A very tragic end which was suppose to be an thrilling trip..I have heard of these accidents before.... Now I'm not sure I will go on another balloon ride... well chose words my dear Chris...so nice to see you... been traveling a bit...
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty. Hope very much you are well and you have been enjoying your travels. Always appreciate your kind visits.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

My pleasure always Chris, hope you are well🌷🌷🌷🌷
Warmly B

[keith]

i have had the horror of my kite being grounded
it brought instant anger and disappointment
then the empty feeling of failure and loss
how odd a passing thrill provides a healthy dose of humility

what can one say after experiencing the wonderful writes you gift and the personal embrace of many here
all perhaps in gesture of ... dare i say? OK! FRIENDSHIPS!
happy now? many thanks my pond buddy it is my pleasure

[Chris Shaw]

The kite can be a wonderful metaphor Keith. Thank you so much for stopping by with your kind thoughts. Hope you are doing ok in this crazy messed up world of ours. Best wishes from across the pond.

Chris

[emmajoygreen]

A resident robin died only feet away from me. Will never forget: it appeared from light undergrowth and .. passed. Happened five.. six.. years ago but the memory still makes me feel sad. Your emotions are much the same. An honour in one way yet.. seeing hurts.

[Chris Shaw]

How sad to experience the dying moments of that little robin. He was not alone when he departed. He was in the presence of someone who feels emotion in the same way I do. Not at all surprised it stays as a memory. Thank you Em for stopping by. Have a beautiful week.

Chris

[emmajoygreen]

Oh.. yes, in some ways we are much the same, our emotions kept under a sort of brolly, often painfully raw. No matter the size of sadness, hurt hurts far, far too much. Silly way of putting it but - (You)

[Weeping willow]

Wonderfully expressed my dear as your words slip and curve into a nicely done poem ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much my friend. Good to find you here. Take care of yourself. Sending fond wishes.
read moreThank you so much my friend. Good to find you here. Take care of yourself. Sending fond wishes.

Chris

[FlatDaddy]

I've been gone from this site for a long time, Chris, and just came back to upload more of my work. I looked around and stumbled upon this piece, among others, but this is the only one I read that compelled me to write a review. I don't write many, but yours is one that stopped me in my tracks. I was puzzled a bit at first. But I saw no death here like other reviewers. Maybe it's because I'm just a weird old fellow, but this took me back to my youth in Waco, Texas, flying kites in the park. Surely I must be wrong, but I saw only the demise of a favorite toy, beautifully described. I think it must have been your title that put me on the wrong track. Still ...

[Chris Shaw]

Hello FlatDaddy, I am honoured that you chose to call on my little poem. Thank you so much. I like very much your interpretation. I also used to fly kites when I was a kid. Poetry is so subjective, that’s why I love it so. All the best from the UK.

Chris

[FlatDaddy]

Pshaw! Why should you feel honored to have me say anything about your work? I am the one who is honored -- to READ your work; you write beautifully, Chris, really.

[John the Baptist]

Other reviewers have been reminded of the Air India crash, but I believe this one is referring to something else. Perhaps a great bird of some sort who was stricken in mid flight.

[Chris Shaw]

Red kites are carrion feeders, fabulous to watch in flight. So sad to see grounded never to fly again. Thank you John. All the best.

Chris

[Lorry]

This reminded me of when me and Katie wondered what happened to a family of owls discovered them all at the base of a tree, victims of bird flu.
Knowing that death comes to all creatures is very different from viewing it, especially when it takes out an entire family.
Hope all is well with you and yours Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Something so sad about dead birds Lorry. It just touches my core. They were made to fly. Thank you so much.

Chris