Barley Sugar and Lipstick Kisses

the hazy lazy sun holds me
while i spiral through mind corridors
where i land cushioned in my past
soft soft smiles and warm hugs
such a feeling of belonging
in this dimly lit room

the gloom is left outside on
the blackened brickwork of the arches
electric trains rattling by almost
smothering the kettle’s whistle
on the back burner

lipstick kisses on my face
can’t be erased all these years later
coty l’aimant leaves an indelible stain
and boiled barley sweets ease
the ups and downs of a shy child’s
unexplained fear of nighttime darkness
with the pain of the school classroom
that sharpened tongue of miss zicher
still echoes in her ear

Reviews

[Lorry]

Even all those years later Chris, miss Zicher can still bring on palpitations! I think each kid had one of those. Ours was Mrs Shields and yes, you heard right...Mrs, as in someone married that child eating monster. She stank of gin and too much make up and sent the fear into every kid by calmly walking to her stationary cupboard and tapping it, saying "do you want me to take out my mincing machine?" whenever a child done something crazy, like being a child!
I detested that woman and was horrified years after I left primary school to find out she became the headmistress!
Now, where was I? I wonder if i can phone my psychiatrist this early in the morning for an emergency appointment! 😃

[Chris Shaw]

You as well Lorry. That Miss Zicher shouldn’t have been allowed anywhere near children. She terrified me as a five year old. Pleased to say, I don’t think about her very often these days, There are bigger and more dangerous monsters about. Sorry for late response. Been busy.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Lovely reminiscence, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Winston, I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

This feels like memory wrapped in warmth and shadow—comfort holding hands with something quietly bruised.
The grit lives in those lingering details—the scent, the teacher’s voice—how the past softens and stings at the same time.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Thomas. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

It is a gift to be able to separate the positive parts of one's past from the negative. We all have our Miss Zichers, and the ability to shut them up cannot be overestimated.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by John. Much aporeciated.

Chris

[Neville]

You just reminded me of the important role poetry has on just about everything .. and how memories live on because of it around the globe ^ through it .. & this fine specimen has just about everything our Chris 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville, you are so right, there is a little bit of poetry in everything, but not everyone knows that. Hope your bank holiday weekend has been joyful.

💜

[Neville]

My pleasure our Chris & yes, it was just dandy ..
I hope yours was too 💜

[red93]

Fabulous Chris, and again with yr Work, God really is in the details. So clever how you do this. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony for your continued support of my poetry. Valued and appreciated. A beautiful comment, thank you.

Chris

[red93]

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Beautiful Chris really well done !

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Julie. Pleased you liked the poem.

Chris

[Soren]

This poem is a reminiscing of the past so common in all of us. The blending of the tender and golden moments with the spice of a sharp tongued teacher makes the recipe just right.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren. I appreciate your thoughts on this poem. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Soren]

You are most welcome Chris and you have a good weekend as well

[jacob erin-cilberto]

What tender moment of recollection...but scary at the end, reminds me of my second grade teacher, Miss Kelly...
"I'll box your ears in" is what she used to say.

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely nostalgic thoughts of my paternal grandparent’s home, but not of Miss Zicher who really didn’t like children. Your Miss Kelly sounds similar j. Thank you for your comments.

Chris

[Michael Sun Bear]

I had five minutes before leaving for an appointment and your great title drew me in; I had to read this before leaving. I’m glad I did, I quite enjoyed this piece of nostalgia. I loved the line “that sharpened tongue of miss zicher.” Reading that line was like being stabbed with a sharpened pencil. It brought the entire poem into sharper focus. You might add a secondary title: for miss zicher.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Michael. Pleased you enjoyed this write. Miss Zicher, did not like children:) Yes her tongue was razor sharp. Have a great Tuesday.

Chris