Chimes

(It has been years since an ice cream van ventured our way)

while we languished on our deck
in lazy evening sun
pink begonias and trailing ivy
spilling from hanging baskets
the blue bird of happiness hovered
above our heads
plastic with a light elastic bounce
suspended from a wooden beam

he makes me smile
he must have heard the musical notes
floating on warm air breeze
the sound of chimes
an ice cream van stirred
our tastebuds
caterpulting back in time
memories of mine
melting melting away
the cares of the day

up got Rob rushed to
the garden gate
can’t be late
our Beth in tow
five cones with chocolate flakes
keep it simple Andy once said
we’re a long time dead

i’m so happy i heard her say
little things make her day
and who am i to disagree

Reviews

[Neville]

This made me hark back to a time when most things were a lot different .. kinda Darling buds of May different .. Yeah' I just had to smile too our Chris .. darn near perfick .. 😎💜👍

[Chris Shaw]

Wasn’t that a wonderful series Neville? I preferred the David Jason and Catherine Zeta Jones version rather than the most recent. Simple, uncomplicated times. Sadly the recent ice cream van visit, was a one off. He hasn’t been back since. No more chimes:) Very much enjoyed nostalgia. Thank you kindly and have a happy weekend.

Chris

[Neville]

Twaz indeed the version that sprang to mind .. Luverly & a happy weekend to you too Chris read more
Twaz indeed the version that sprang to mind .. Luverly & a happy weekend to you too Chris

Neville

[RomaJ]

Chris, I love how you make the everyday feel magical. The ice cream van, the chimes, even the begonias. There’s a warm nostalgia here, a sense that small moments can linger in memory and heart. It’s intimate, yet universal, and it left me smiling.

[Chris Shaw]

Small moments can provide material for my poems RomaJ. It’s often the small moments in life that can become the most precious. Nostalgia is wonderful company on occasions. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Mysilentembrace]

I really enjoy your word choice here. Sometimes it's unexpected but it adds to the playfulness of the poem, which I imagine is expected.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for stopping by. Your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Chris

[artjackdavis0]

Hello

I recently had the pleasure of reading your story, and I must say it played out in my mind like a vivid film rather than just words on a page. The imagery was so natural and immersive, it felt destined to be more than just text it deserves to be seen.

I’m a professional comic and manga illustrator, and I specialize in translating stories into compelling visual experiences whether that's full-length illustrated editions or eye-catching covers built for both print and digital platforms. If you ever decide to visually expand your story, I’d love to collaborate in shaping its artistic identity.

Instagram: art.jackdavis_
Twitter (X): @JackDavis01art
Discord: jaaackdavis0
Email: [e-mail]
Tumblr: @jackdavisart01

Warm regards,
ARK Comics Studio
Professional Comic & Manga Artist

[Relic]

Ahh, I do remember hearing those bells and running out to the truck with the money given to us kids as we sat at the picknick table after getting out of the pool.

I see it now in the neighbor's kids whenever the truck comes by. It's like a rite of passage. Nice one, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tim. Have been waiting for another appearance. No such luck. Enjoyed the ice cream nostalgia though. Have a great day.

Chris

[Glen Weimann]

Chris, this paints lovely pictures. And it intrigues me as well and stops me in my tracks. The switching of tense - are we in the present looking back or on some other plane? And then the change in rhythm from the gentle flow to the more staccato, and lines that are almost lyrics from old songs. But it works, and it holds me in pictures. Nicely done! Glen/Nigel.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased the poem worked for you Nigel. I appreciate your visit and your words. Have s beautiful day.

Chris

[Desert Knave]

Excellent. I recall well the little ice cream truck (Jack was our guy) and the big Mister Softee truck and how glorious it was to rush outside and stand on a blistering sidewalk for sidewalk sundaes and 50/50 bars. Anyhow, thanks for taking me on a trip back in time. ~Jim

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for your share Jim. I enjoyed hearing about your Jack. Sad to say, the ice cream van hasn’t been back since. Seems it was a one off. Enjoyed while it lasted and nostalgic too. All the best.

Chris

[Ayesha Faiz]

Your poem feels like a quiet moment captured in time. It’s soft, nostalgic, and full of warmth. The way you mix everyday details like the ice cream van and the hanging baskets with deeper feelings makes it really special. It reminds us how the little things, like a smile or a sound, can bring real joy. Though, those were some good old days when we used to wait in line to get our ice-cream. The way little things used to bring us joy and happiness was truly insane like we'd get so happy over little things because we had nothing to stress about. Life was like a fantasy, fairy tale, colorful back then. Life is still good though. Lovely work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ayesha for sharing your thoughts. I wish the ice cream van would call again. Seems it was a one off. Still, it was a lovely nostalgic moment which planted a new memory. Have a beautiful day.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

little things make her day

This line touched my heart. A beautiful poem friend. Keep it up. Have a great day

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Arundass. Pleased you enjoyed the ice cream. Have a lovely day yourself and know I appreciated your words.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

Welcome friend