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

[Soren]

What a lovely thought Chris we all aspire to be recognized to be the best even as a species we see ourselves as on top of everything else. But how that there be a spire without supporting walls, each brick more important than what lays above it. This is a most powerful thought Chris. A most lovely poem that has great power.

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is so encouraging Soren. Thank you so much for your valued comments. Have a great Wednesday.

Chris

[Soren]

You are most welcome Chris and I wish you one as well

[Laz K.]

"We are the world," as that old pop song proclaims, and "No man is an island." We are all "bricks," whether we recognize it or not. But, there's a difference between being an "awakened," willin participant, a builder, a freemason (in the best sense of the word) or a cancerous cell that wants to outgrow its boundaries.

Your poem is thought-provoking, and well-written - as always.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Laz for sharing your thoughts about my poem. Your visit truly appreciated. Have a happy Friday.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris...I know you want to be just a brick in the wall, no fame or fortune...just a kind person who wants to help make this planet a better place....by helping others in many ways that make you happy as well....you don't have to be the "tallest tree in the forest".... just being YOU is what this planet needs!
Wonderful piece Chris..so kind and giving
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty. Found this one in some old notes, written a while back. It’s finally found its way on to the forum. Always happy to see you. Have a lovely weekend.

Chris

[Mila]

I didn’t know I needed this until I read it.

[Brandon Houser]

I love this. To me it's life affirming. At least to the right kind of life. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Brandon. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts. Have a happy Friday.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

Hi chris,
Hope you are fine and getting better.

You have written very beautiful lines.

As far as i know if you think good, you will do good and the love you give reflects back making you shine. But i havent done expecting back. I just did what i could. Most of it were intakes from my parents and their way of living.

I am glad I could make sense out of my life because world is seeing me with no emotional IQ, weak and ill brain. After reading your lines it made me think there are few to them i made sense out of my life. Glad I could read your writings.

Thank you
Jessy Jacob ❤️.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Jessy for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Hope all is good in your world.
read moreThank you dear Jessy for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

Yea, so far good.

Jessy Jacob

[red93]

Life's Ups and Downs Chris. I think of the thousands of Pounds passing thru my Bank Account after Caroline received her inheritance from her Father - but I guess none of it I appreciate as much as I now value my regular OAP Payday. You are certainly far more than a 'brick in the wall' to yr Writers Cafe Friends. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony for all your support and encouragement. You are appreciated.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

As a fine poet, you are an important brick in that wall, each brick needs to be there and strong or the wall will crumble. And that is pure devastation if it would happen because all the castles around us seem to be crumbling.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely review j. Thank you so much my friend.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

You’ve carved quiet honor out of ordinary days—solid, patient, human.
Even as the world wobbles, your steady hands plant blooms no one else will notice.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Thomas for sharing your thoughts. All the best.

Chris