Going With The Flow

Going With The Flow

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

As it comes

"
i glide on waters of your
scented memory
navigate the meanders
of your reassuring smile
i search for sunbeams
on the journey to the sea
afraid to dive below the
surface
into the depths of the
river’s floor
afraid of drowning in the
stagnant dark depression
that life bestows
i have seen my sister’s
pale blue eyes
hollowed out by fear
i have held her trembling
in my warm embrace
look at me she says
as she spells out the word
despair
letter by letter in a half
whisper
my left hand gripped till
the bones feel they will break
we are glue
where she goes
by her side I will be



© 2025 Chris Shaw


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Reviews

I teared up when reading this...it's a punch in the gut.
I can not even imagine the pain of watching a sibling go through this.
You love her so much.
j.

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Dear J, yes you know how loved she is. It’s tough, but I am right with her and will be. Thank you .. read more
This one hits home Chris. I lost my sister last October. We were very close and it was difficult to deal with ... still is for that matter.

Thank you for these words. Love is precious. I feel for people who have no siblings and don't get to experience the joys and heartache of that journry.

Keep holding her hand tight. As tough as it is don't hold back the tears.

Take care.

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Hello Ted. Sorry you lost your sister. You are so right, I feel people who haven’t got siblings, m.. read more
"I have seen my sister's / pale blue eyes /hollowed out by fear/ I have held her trembling /in my warm embrace/ look at me she says/ as she spells out the word/ despair" -- wow, powerful lines here. It captures a raw intimate moment with vivid emotional clarity.

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Thank you KL, it WAS an intimate and very memorable moment. I’m pleased that you picked up on that.. read more
oh my dear Chris ... :(((((((((((((( this poem hits me in the chest .. so tragic and plaintive ... i feel a heavy burden of sorrow compressing me .. it must be personal .. i have to express my sorrow for what this occurrence has laid on you ... big hugs .. big love and thank you for sharing ... if it is not personal .. well ... thank you anyway ... i relate to the pain of it .. great write my friend!
E.

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Thank you dear Mr E. Sadly it’s personal, but it helps to get that sorrow out. It’s tough, but t.. read more
Einstein Noodle

3 Months Ago

luv to you Chris ... plus much admiration and respect
Your words move like a river of memory—gentle on the surface yet carrying the weight of sorrow beneath. The imagery of water, fear, and sisterhood creates a hauntingly beautiful current, where despair and love entwine. It’s not just poetry—it’s devotion carved into flowing verse, tender and unforgettable.


Whisper

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Thank you kindly Whisper for your thoughtful words. Your visit appreciated.

Chris
How well I know the feelings of helplessness when a loved and cherished sibling seems to be slipping away Chris. And the enormity of what it will mean to lose them, however much one is praying for their survival. Exceptional Plus ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Thank you Tony for your words of comfort. Like a blanket in winter. Much appreciated. Have a lovely .. read more
red93

3 Months Ago

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Presence is everything.Best way you can show you care. Haunting poem.

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Thank you Sapphus. I agree, spending as much time with her as possible. I appreciate your visit. read more
An indescribably touching poem, dear Chris. Just as you thrived in sunnier times, so will you be comforted in the darker segments of your journey. I sense the depths of despair in your words. How helpless one feels when a loved one goes through such pain. But you're there with her and it will always make a big difference. Beautifully expressed.

Sending you my best wishes, always.

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Thank you for your kind and comforting words DIVYA. I am spending as much time as I am able to, bein.. read more
DIVYA

3 Months Ago

You're most welcome, dear Chris. Thinking of you and sending you wishes for all good things. 💕
These words are so sadly beautiful Chris, they touch my heart this morning as you help her through this despair to finally find peace.
Sending love to you both xx

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Dear Stella. The thought of losing her is truly painful. I so appreciate you and your warm words. Th.. read more

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567 Views
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Shelved in 1 Library
Added on October 2, 2025
Last Updated on October 2, 2025

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..