Survivor’s Guilt

In memory of Jen, Nicky and Sally, casualties of breast cancer

red roses trellised to the fence
sweet scented perfume every one
yet even when those petals fall
so blessed by rays from golden sun

this Dublin rose that cascades free
brings poignant memories to my day
of flowers taken far too soon
whose life force sadly ebbed away

the dew which floods my eyes this morn
to trickle down on saddened cheek
forgive my tears but hear my voice
permission please for me to speak

i do not know why i survived
while you my friends were doomed to die
and with the passing of the years
still comes at times a muffled cry

so missed you are my lovely chums
we weathered laughter love and pain
and with it comes a hopeful wish
one day we’ll chance to do the same

Reviews

[RomaJ]

A tender, heartfelt poem. The Dublin rose is a beautiful metaphor for life and memory, and the contrast with the "flowers taken far too soon" expresses survivor’s guilt with quiet grace. The ending leaves us with a gentle hope for reunion, which makes the piece both sorrowful and comforting. Beautifully written piece

[Chris Shaw]

The Dublin rose is a beautiful rose in real life too RomaJ. I have it climbing in my garden. Thank you for your warm thoughts. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Beautifully written lines which I can truly relate to, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Marvin. Sorry for late response. I have not been able to access WC for some time. All the best to you.

Chris

[keith]

don't most of us would rather die before we lose all our beloved friends
i hate funerals wakes or celebrations of life
i already recognize my griefs and loses

well pond pal perhaps one day there will be no wall between the trump regime and the rest of mankind
we will battle on until victory or demise never surrendering to our lessors or betters

peace to you my pond buddy
my garden/orchard is surrounded with wild roses climbing and thriving perhaps guarding this sanctuary

[Chris Shaw]

Your sanctuary sounds marvelous Keith. Thank you so much for stopping by to leave a comment. I miss those lovely friends, but have wonderful memories and grandchildren to keep me happy. Have a beautiful and peaceful Sunday.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

As we age ... some faster than others ... I think we become more accepting of Death. It is inevitable ... yet it is never really welcome.
My younger sister passed away last October from a very rare and extremely aggressive cancer. She was 76 and it is hard to come to grips with losing one so close for so long.

You have written a beautiful poem. A fit tribute to your friends. It could either be pure luck ... Fate ... or part of God's plan that we survive. Difficult to deal with guilt but it does ease and we will always have them in our heart and one day we will share a laugh again.

This is truly one of your tops

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ted, so sorry to hear about your sister. That must be hard for you. I do still miss my friends, but count my lucky stars that I survived what took their lives in their prime. We never know what is in store for us and I guess that’s a blessing. Thank you for your kind words. So very much appreviated Ted. Take good care of yourself. All good wishes from across the pond.

Chris

[.]

Ah, this poem is truly special. 4 out of 5 people on my father's side had cancer and 3 died from it (my father, grandfather, grandmother, and aunt). All of the women had breast cancer, and I've always had a lot of time to think about it. And even though I lost them all one after another, I know it's nothing compared to what they've been through. I'm truly sorry for your losses, and you've put this feeling into words beautifully. I feel your pain, I hear your words, and I wish you patience and long life health. I am happy that you are here.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Beren for your share and especially for you kind and thoughtful wishes. Pleased you stopped by. Have a beautiful day.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, we are at that age, Chris....the age when we find out good friends have passed. We are still here and we wonder why. I believe it is part of a plan. I am fatalistic. I am so sorry your friends passed away. I am glad, though, you are the survivor. You are such a good poet....the emotions are so honest. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, it is so hard to say goodbye to those we love and as we age, it becomes more inevitable. So appreciate your visit and your thoughts dear poet. Have a beautiful weekend.

Chris

[Ayesha Faiz]

Chris, this piece truly is sad. Just by reading it, I could feel deep emotions and felt vulnerable so I can only imagine how hard it must've been for you while writing this piece in memory of your dear friends. From the very first lines, there's a tenderness in the way you describe the roses and memories intertwined. The way you have expressed what you wanted to say in this poem feels really honest yet vulnerable. It feels like a tribute, a prayer, and a conversation all at once. Thank you for expressing something so sweet and beautiful in honor of those friends who left this world for a better place. May their souls rest in peace.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ayesha, your thoughtful response touched me. Thank you so much. Yes, the death of my three friends left me feeling a tad vulnerable. Lucky to be alive. All good wishes.

Chris

[Soren]

A lovely bitter sweet poem of love and loss. A great metaphor Chris. Loved it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Soren. Your thoughts valued and appreciated. Have a happy Sunday.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful and full of heart. Tremendous work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Thomas. I appreciate you. All the best.

Chris

[Gregoria Ahmed]

Your words are tender and unflinching, Chris. This poem doesn't just mourn, it honors. It’s filled with soft echoes of memory and the ache of surviving. The roses, the tears, the final wish, it all lingers. Thank you for giving grief such a beautiful form.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Gregoria for your kind words of appreciation. Your visit and words are truly valued.

Chris

[Gregoria Ahmed]

You’re welcome ☺️