When There Was So Little Left

Pamela 24.8.33 - 7.2.2026

even when my name
had long been forgotten
and everything else had slipped
off the last of the shelves
in the depleted memory bank
her muffled appreciation
and watery blue eyes
remain indelible in my mind

you are kind she said to me
squeezing my hand
you are kind

Reviews

[Pauline]

Hello Chris. I love how you've described this time with her and how it was a relief when she passed, knowing she was finally at peace. I felt the same when my mother passed. Even though her memory had gone, she always recognised my voice and she would take my my face in both hands and speak my name. They may forget exactly who you are but they do recognise love and kindness and the tone of a voice.
Hope all is well with you.x

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pauline for your understanding. All is reasonable, that’s enough:). I hope life is being kind to you and yours.

Chris x

[John the Baptist]

I believe this one refers to the passing of a family member, about which you have written before. It depicts powerfully, especially in the last lines, how love presents even in the midst of dementia. That said, I believe she knew clearly what she was saying and feeling.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John and yes I have written about my aunt before. Her decline into dementia was a painful journey to witness. There had been many tears on the way but when I received the news of her demise, I felt a rush of relief for her. She was free from her torment, and it was torment.

Chris

[Tom]

Such a thoughful, sentimental farewell goodbye in appreciation of eachother's respected and highly valued friendship, love shared between one who say's goodbye, yet in peace and comfort they will wait til we meet again...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kindly Tom for stopping by today to share your thoughts. Very much appreciated.
read moreThank you kindly Tom for stopping by today to share your thoughts. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Beautiful write Chris ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Willow. Pleased you enjoyed my words. Have a beautiful week.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

And you are, Chris. A kindness this world needs. I've got no words for the poem itself, it... says what it must. Vividly... completely. It sounds trite to say it's well written, but I suppose that's what we're here to do.

You are kind, Chris Shaw. And don't forget that!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear John thank you very much for your supportive words. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Buddhistboy73]

Wow!

This is a deeply heartfelt and emotive poem about the connection and love between two people....:)

I liked the final lines:

you are kind she said to me
squeezing my hand
you are kind

BB73

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you BB73 for sharing your thoughts. Always good to hear from you. All the best.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Brilliant work. Powerful and vivid.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Thomas. All the best.

Chris

[FlatDaddy]

A very lovely piece, Chris. It leaves many questions, none that need be answered. You have said all that needs be said. Enchanting, it makes me think of Mona Lisa, somehow; an enigmatic smile shone in words.

FD

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you FD for sharing your thoughts. A lovely review, much appreciated.

Chris

[red93]

Chris this is so beautiful. 'No tears in the Writer, no tears in the Reader.' Exceptional Plus ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Always so supportive Tony. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Pete]

touching to say the least. says just enough to relate the message. leaves an indelible mark.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by Pete. I value your thoughts.

Chris