Steps

grey eyes see sunbeams sparkling
a lake gleams silver bright
beneath its fluid surface
a world that’s lost to light

the heart descends in silence
all living things expire
beneath the surface drowning
gasping out for air

yet rises in the morning
with whispers from afar
a calm and measured presence
a guiding northern star

take hold the reins are weighty
there isn’t any choice
the path ahead is painful
wisdom lends its voice

take the first step forward
there is no other way
that inner voice is fighting back
to face another day

Reviews

[Thomas W Case]

There’s real weight in this—darkness, struggle, and the grind of facing another day. I love how the inner voice pushes through, steady and guiding. Honest, raw, and quietly powerful.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts are much appreciated Thomas. Thanks for stopping by and happy new year to you.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

Winter does indeed have its own particular beauty as does this poem. Well writ and full of wisdom.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about this poem. Winter does have its own brand of beauty.

Chris

[Neville]

Proper poetry invariably leaves me either gagging or gasping for more .. and this my friend, is such a fine example of what I mean .. Well I know what I mean anyway .. Write on our Chris & always .. Neville 💜

[Chris Shaw]

You made me laugh Neville. Gasping for more is preferable to the image that gagging can bring to mind:) Proper poetry is a lovely compliment.Thank you so much.

Chris 💜

[Neville]

.................................. 😎💜👍

[Sunflower]

this is a beautiful example of how sometimes the bravest choice one can make is to keep their head above the waves. this really has stuck with me, and i can feel deeply the pain in your words. great write Chris, keep it up

-sunflower

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sunflower for your thoughtful words. All good wishes to you for the new year.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Reality can be very painful, facing another dreadful day, whereas the night is peaceful, clouded, slumber may come as a dream; daytime is blurred as our damaged heart has to face what will eventually take hold of us; we must remember one step at a time...as we mend our grief....
Happy New Year my dear Chris
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty. One step at a time is all we can manage when the days turn dark. Wishing you and your dear ones plenty of light days ahead for 2026.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes, it does happen as we age, not only physically but mentally as well.... however let's think positively and hope this new year will be better than the last!!!
Warmly, B

[Soren]

Oh how pleasant the night how frightful the day when one must face what is to come as opposed to slip into slumber closing ones eyes to the world. A beautiful poem Cris with your talent of metaphor and imaging a mood. Nicely done my friend. A most happy New Year to you

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for your continued support and your good wishes. All the very best for 2026.

Chris

[Soren]

Most welcome Chris and the same to you

[Weeping willow]

One step can lead to many places, wonderful write I felt these words ;-] Pain breaks the barrier into pieces
leading to yet another step. Soon to follow through to another road. Love your Poetry and I hope 2026 will be good for you my poet friend ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Willow. Lovely to find you here. Wishing you a very happy new year from the UK.
read moreThank you dear Willow. Lovely to find you here. Wishing you a very happy new year from the UK.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Happy New year to you my friend ;-]

[yorkie]

I know jealousy is a terrible thing
so I will call it envy
of how you can convey beautiful words
in such a way.

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely bit of flattery you have left for me. Thank you kindly yorkie. Happy new year to you.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

Take hold the reigns are weighty, there isn't any choice...

So true. The path is painful, and I for one... am missing the wisdom of it all at the moment. Maybe all the more reason to keep on taking those steps. A guiding Northern star... a wonderful thought.

Cheers.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for sharing your thoughts. Very much appreciated. Happy new year.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

Happy New Year, Ms. Shaw.

[Amanda Renee]

I love how you both beautifully present darkness and light, almost interchangeable for their power and comfort. Thank you for this and Happy New Year!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Amanda. Happy new year to you also. All good wishes.

Chris