Estranged

( from a photograph of a sea stack which sent my thoughts meandering)

A gulf expanding separates,

a sea stack from her motherland.

A churlish girl flees from her home,

in isolation, standing free.

Divided by the deepest blue,

a stubborn wound that time won't heal.

A bridge of steel can't make amends,

how harsh this sentence seems to be.

Once joined in fine-tuned harmony

until the storms tore them apart,

erosion where the heart would beat,

cascading softness to the sea.

And now the weathered, hardened stone,

bears all the exile on her own.

Too late by far, she can't atone,

she faces life's hostility.

Reviews

[Crowley]

That second stanza is heartbreaking, the statement in the last line too familiar. There is never a point of finality because time does weather even the strongest of convictions and hurt. But if the erosion takes too long, regret is something that just stacks on top. A hard hitter...great writing Christine!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Crowley for your thoughtful review.

Chris

[kentuck14]

"erosion where the heart would beat" . . . Yes!! I realize I could never write this kind of poetry.
When I write poems of observation over photos they come out quite different. I will post one and you will see. Again, a gentle, graceful piece from the Lady of Berkshire.
Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tom. I'll look out for your post. Many thanks for checking in.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hard to grasp the life of another.
"And now the weathered, hardened stone,
bears all the exile on her own.
Too late by far, she can't atone,
she faces life's hostility."
The above lines, places, many must overcome and find some kind of peace. The poem made me wish to know more. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote for your visit and sharing your thoughts. All good wishes

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

My pleasure dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Mrudula Rani]

Ripped apart from stock by the force of circumstances... one becomes an island. standing alone in the vast ocean of isolation longing to be part of that original home... I am very familiar with those sentiments chris, wonderful portraiture of the emotional state of being lost. Your kind heart seem to understand the anguish of the lonely souls.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mrudula, separation from those you have strong connections with, can be isolating as well as heartbreaking. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and I am thankful for your visit.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

It's entirely my pleasure, dear poet.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Being estranged from your native land can be lonely and dishearting, but family alienation is heart-wrenching. And, I know from experience that reconciliation with strangers is far more easily achieved than with close family members - great share Chris - makes you stop and [ponder... :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Phill for your thoughts. Hope you are having a great Sunday. Blooming chilly and wet here.

Chris

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Trees falling down, rain, gales - but - indoors coffee and cake - so I'm OK … be safe and blessed my friend! :-)

[Chris Shaw]

What a difference coffee and cake can make:) Enjoy.

[john l smith]

Not sure where this is aiming but it brings to mind the ISIS situation of all the women there who want to get back to their original homelands as the ISIS group faces elimination

[Chris Shaw]

I can see how you thought that Dave. Poetry is subjective, so you can interpret it any way you wish. I am always happy to see what readers make of my lines.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

This is excellent Chris. Allowing us to take our own meaning from this thing that you've seen and using such well chosen words to do it. I do find some poetry hard to comprehend but yours is accessible which I mean as a compliment. Our own sea stack up here may be drifting off before too long!
All the best.
Alan.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Alan for your visit. Pleased to hear you find my lines accessible. That is encouraging and good to hear. Poetry is always subjective and I like to see where tgecresdervtraveksxwuth my lines. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A beautifully described picture and geographical history of the silent columns of rock that rise from the sea in defiance of the rage which cut the chord!

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed the read John. Thanks for your thoughts.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i love the allegory...we could be just looking at a landmark separated from its comrades...but also this child, separated from family, on her own, facing the world and wondering if she can survive the exile...the abandonment she feels from her family, from her self.
strong piece, Chris.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jacob for your insightful response. Much appreciated.

Chris