Just Another Brick in the Wall

(the pen took off)

so the world has lost its sparkle
and spins unrecognizable on its far
too wobbly axis
my eyes are dimmed by disappointment
at what they see
while all those bucket list possibilities
are looking like tin soldiers standing
to attention

not to mention the hundreds of poems
waiting to be published
or the unfinished mosaic or the pastel
paintings buried in the back of the
bedroom wardrobe

it’s no longer about being the tallest
tree in the forest
sometimes you grow by standing still
taking stock of what you’ve got
helping others grow
spending time with the sick and old
and spreading layers of love in the
family garden
nurturing the flowers of the future
lending a helping hand
making life smoother where creases
occur in the day to day

i know I could have achieved more
but what for
it’s ok to be a building block
i don’t mind being a brick in the wall
i have no desire to be the castle

Reviews

[Michael Sun Bear]

I very recently watched a movie called Love’s Portrait, mostly set in a small Irish village, where four generations had owned and operated the postal shop/service. Currently run by brother and sister, the sister explained she knew she lived a small life, but it was her place, and she was happy. Both the movie and your poem strongly resonated with me. You and I have lived decades, and We both realize we don’t need “to be the castle.” I have very much enjoyed another gentle, wise piece from you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Michael for another thoughtful review and for the heads up about a film. I will look out for it. Have yourself a great weekend.

Chris

[Pete]

there are many ways to leave our mark upon the world. there's a time to pass the baton. roger waters and pink floyd would be proud. each brick is important and come together for a greater good. nicely said.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Pete. I love their music and can remember how powerful that song was when it first came out. Pleased you enjoyed my words.

Chris

[LisaCarol]

This is very well done and I really resonated with the words. We have visions of our future and sometimes (usually) it turns out differently, but that is okay. As they say, "it is more about the journey". Thank you for sharing your writing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lisa Carol. You are so right, it is more about the journey. I appreciate you stopping by. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Rosie C]

I do admire the thought process throughout this poem.

Quite extraordinary and insightful.

I like the task-oriented approach from the writer. Target goals are to be met.

Highly focused and motivated for action.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Rosie, I appreciate your encouraging thoughts. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Desert Knave]

Wow. Strong thoughts and it finishes with a perfect philosophy, being happy to be a piece of the puzzle. ~Jim

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks so much for stopping by Jim. Much appreciated. Have a good Wednesday.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

Chris I love reading your material… your wording is perfect .. each brick is most definitely significant ! You are a gem on this earth ! Making life easier smoothing out the creases!

[Chris Shaw]

How lovely to find you here Katrina. Hope you and yours are all doing well. Thank you so much for your warm words.

Chris 🌹

[Katrina Mckeown]

Hi Chris thank you
I have been absent a while all is good thank you ☺️ x

[Lorry]

Being just another brick in the wall (my, what a good line. Someone should use that for a song) isnt all that bad Chris. Mind you, I hope you have a view of more than peoples feet scuffing by. Even the most important piece of all, the foundations have the wreight of the world on their shoulders, which must smart a bit of the weight of the entire castle is upon you.
Perhaps a lintel, beneath an arch shaped window or atop a viewing gallery window would be more your cup of tea. Fair maidens could rest their weary elbows on you while sighing and longing for their escape, or is that just a Shrek movie im remembering, or a sturdy stone around a viewing window, above the trees to give you a view only gods usually get, to wonder and smile in awe at the beaty that surrounds you.
Me? I just hope im not on a wind facing bothy halfway up a Glen, hoping my stubble doesn't snap off in the cold! 😃

[Chris Shaw]

I always find your responses wacky and entertaining Lorry. Not only that you like the same songs as I do. Who could possibly forget that brick in the wall. Hope all is well up there in the highlands. The lowlands are becoming spring like. Have a great day.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

♥♥♥
Me too Chris, that's what it's all about really.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Stella. How lovely to find you here. Hope you are doing ok my friend. All the best to you. 🌹🌹🌹


Chris

[Neville]

This is so bloomin good and on so many levels .. if I had faves our Chris, then this would certainly be up there amongst them .. Neville ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍💜

[Chris Shaw]

You are spoiling me Neville. What a super review. Thank you so much. Have a great day.

read moreYou are spoiling me Neville. What a super review. Thank you so much. Have a great day.

Chris 💜

[Davidgeo]

You're good at being human.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Davidgeo. Have a great day.

Chris