Albert's Gift

(For Albert)

My memory doesn't serve me well,

at times it plays at peek-a-boo,

but I recall with clarity

those precious moments spent with you.

As I sat by your slippered feet,

I'd see the twinkle in your eye

and listen wide-eyed as you'd tell

why Shalot's Lady had to die.

And soon by heart I'd learn the lines,

years later I can still recall

that magic spell you wove for me

of metered rhyme when I was small.

That's all that I have left of you,

the photos fade as time goes by,

so when I picture you with me,

the child inside begins to cry.

It can't be bought what you bestowed,

you paved a path that suited me

and how I've danced along the way

to find my joy in poetry.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

i had just finished my review and all of a sudden it went "aw snap" ... a nasty demon at work no doubt!! >;{
... so as i was saying......... great job! you must have had a pretty cool relationship with Albert to have been gifted so ... and your tribute to him and Alfred, as i think you mean Shalott instead of Shalot ;), is par excellence madaam .. you combine classic rhythm and rhyming with our modern language so well says i .. not forced, stretched nor trite ... this one has resurrected me own boyhood dreaming of epic romance and daring chivalry ...oh how many great steeds i rode off to win my lady love ..alas for Shalott's ... tho some say she just sleeps ;) you must miss your Albert .. he obviously is with you still ... really an glad i did not miss this one Christine .. thanks for sharing
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Mr E and the poem was indeed a nod to Tennyson even if I can't spell his heroine's name :) Tennyson a great favourite of Albert. I could recite 52 lines off by heart when I was 12. Can still remember parts today. Albert was a wonderful Grandfather. He had amazing patience. Thank you for leaving your lovely review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my goodness ... he was your Grand Da! how enriching just to know that bit more ... he must have been one in a zillion for you Chris! precious precious precious!

[Chris Shaw]

Oh no dear Sir, Tennyson wasn't my Grandad, but Albert was :)

[Einstein Noodle]

yes...i know ... he opened your eyes to poetry ;))))

[Chris Shaw]

He opened my eyes to Tennyson :)))

[Jimmy Yetts]

And how you've excelled!
Your heart is huge: your poetry, of the highest order.
Amazing work!

[Chris Shaw]

It was Albert who would break into poetic lines randomly. His love of poetry he passed on to me. Sadly I had not written a single poem when he died when I was 26. Another 14 years before I put pen to paper. I wonder what he would think of my writing if he was alive today? Thank you so much Jimmy for giving this poem an airing.

Chris

[DIVYA]

She left an impression on you, one that became a gift for the world to cherish. The poem has such pleasing, effortless rhyming and the love felt, leaves me with few words. A tribute of perfect love, sorrow and joy to a loving grandmother who lives on in your vibrant, multi-faceted poetry. Thank you for sharing this gem, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA, forgive the lateness of my appreciation of your visit. All good wishes.

read moreThank you DIVYA, forgive the lateness of my appreciation of your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[DIVYA]

It’s always such a pleasure, dear Chris 💞

[emmajoy]

Delightful! So finely written too, what an influence you had, You've set the past in such a warm place, told of 'lessons' learned, ending with a beautiful stream of memories. ' That's all that I have left of you, - the photos fade as time goes by, - so when I picture you with me, - the child inside begins to cry.'.

My Uncle was a granny.. a poem within cafe way back.. and i 've often looked at pics of that harum scarum woman and heard her whisper, 'Read, child, read!' Isn't it wonderful how that uncle inspired you to write such a delightful poem, which in turn has made me, and proably so many others think of times when ... words became exciting! Thank you so much for sharing your memories, Chris,

(We're both awake so late in the night, I've had a throat bug, slept more via daylight than night!) Keep happy.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Em, yes late night for me. I have never been a good sleeper. You, heavily influenced by your Granny and I by Albert my Grandfather. What a legacy they left us, a long time interest in literature. Thank you for your review. All good wishes.

Chris

[emmajoy]

My pleasu re.. take care.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

oooh i loved this as soon as i read albert i knew in my heart he was your grandfather, sweet man he probably was to of given you so much of his time in your early life, as mine did as well.
I loved this I really did well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Julie. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[MsJewel]

Oh my...your words just curl right up in my heart. What a wonderful memory you have shared. :) Julie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie for your lovely review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

So beautiful. When a person is so pivotal to something important in our lives (poetry,music, art, work) they leave an indelible impression on us. You convey stories and emotions beautifully, and with an undeniable clarity and unique style

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for your lovely review Lyn. Yes Albert gave me his time and his love of poetry. I have him to thank, the poetry has been a lifeline at times, and I mean that.

Chris

[Beccy]

After reading the first two lines of The Lady of Shalot, (at age nine/ten, if memory serves,) I was totally immersed. Such a wonderful, wonderful poem.

It was my Nan who introduced me to poetry, 'The Ancient Mariner,' being her particular favourite. Your grandpa Albert and my Nan, we both have much to thank them for.

A lovely memory brought back to me here.

Beccy. x

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Beccy. The Ancient Mariner I studied for O level eng lit. We do have much to be thankful for in our grandparents. I too was totally hooked on the Lady of Shalot by the age of ten. 52 lines learned by heart and Lancelot riding by the river, his armour emblazoned by sunlight certainly rang my bell. Hope all is OK and thank you for your lovely visit.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

I have a picture of you sitting by Albert as he read the wonderful stories to you

I/We had a teacher like your Albert she read wonderful stories and poetry - Like the ' Smuglers Song '
And explaining the underlying story
Of people and places

Miss Deasy her name > She taught my mum and so many others > we all remember Miss Deasy

Forever in our memories like your Albert

[Chris Shaw]

I'm so pleased you could relate to these lines Wild Rose. Thank goodness for the Albert's and Miss Deasy's of this world who inspire us to pursue a love of literature. Hope all is good with you. Lovely here, sunny, but so cold.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Everyone should be lucky enough to have that 'Uncle Albert' in their lives and better yet, to be that person to someone else. I have been lucky enough to have had more than one, and yet, it was my Great Grandmother who bestowed on me the greatest gift (in my opinion) of a love for reading. She always gave me a book at Christmas time, one of which I had until a couple of years ago until I passed it on to a great niece.
Still read anything I can get my hands on.
A good write, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

It's great to be influenced in early years by someone who bestows on you something which will last a lifetime. Pleased you also had that experience Ted. Albert was my paternal Grandad. Many thanks for reviewing.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me of my relationship with my dad...and how he begrudgingly finally admitted that I may be a poet. he was an engineer...not much figurative in his life...
but part of my pursuit of the genre was probably to prove that poetry was more to me than just "a hobby."
thanks for this poem, Chris,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for sharing Jacob. Good that your Dad finally accepted what has become a great love of yours.

Chris