Capsized At Sea

one from the archives, but still remains topical

Down to the crested waves below

red petals drop from craggy rocks.

A fleet which sweeps its way to reach

where hopes and dreams of refugees

are capsized in a foreign sea.

I pay respects, reflect on them,

for all the souls whose lives were lost

and done so mindful of the cost,

of fleeing wars and tyranny.

I cast my heartfelt sympathy.

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed still topical Chris and beautifully written in a melody of sadness with such vivid pictures created as the tributes are set afloat in memory of lost souls.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for your thoughtful words. Good morning.

Chris

[kentuck14]

Bob Dylan wrote, "I pity the poor refugee . . . " After the fall of South Vietnam in '75 many "boat people" died when their vessels capsized in the ocean in an attempt to flee the Communists. Our nation now has a healthy population of Vietnamese. Many people from central America and Mexico are currently fleeing from the violence and corruption of their homeland, wanting a safe life in the US. The sad thing is . . . the refugee has become a political pawn on both sides of the isle. I'm sure the UK is seeing many refugees wanting to come to your shores. The history of the world has been the story of the refugee . . . because the history of the world has always been the seeking of power at any cost. There are times when growing so weary of the political wars that go on in my country, I feel like a refugee . . . but who will take me in?
T.

[Chris Shaw]

I was so interested to read what you have said here Tom and the question you posed at the end of your comment, most thought provoking. There's something drastically wrong when you feel like a refugee in your own country. Good to have you visit my words, always appreciated.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Well done, Chris. Yes it's a terrible thing to attempt to flee a tyrannous government and war only to drown at the hands of unscrupulous men who demand what little money you have while you're trying to get to safety.
All the millions donated to poor countries to help the poor, seem to get diverted to the pockets of the leaders. We fell good for helping...the leaders feel good for getting rich...and the poor feel hungry and desperate.
Sad.

A good write.

[Chris Shaw]

Have to agree Ted. All that foreign aid and hardly any of it goes to the people we think we are helping. Most of it goes on supporting corrupt regimes and the purchase of weapons. Makes me sick. We should stop being so generous and look at the poor at home. Thanks for sharing your views.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

I was passing by and looked in for you Chris...Your words are so gentle and sad...They have a world of grief in them...

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ditzy, good to see you. Thank you for considering these words of mine and the empathy I feel for people caught up in these situations. All good wishes

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Life and work keep me away mostly nowadays but you and your beautiful pen are always thought of. Sending you much love and happy meows!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you kitty. How sweet you are.

[DIVYA]

This is such a heartfelt tribute to those people fleeing their lands for genuine reasons, human crises and depravity of their governments. Usually, the world looks with little sympathy to them with little understanding of their cause and they are treated as a nuisance. The saddest is when little children die. Your words fall softly and tenderly as the petals on their watery graves....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. Sadly they are treated as a nuisance in many cases. It's not their fault, it's down to the various Governments and their policies that they find themselves in these tragic circumstances. Nothing worse to see than children who are caught up in this. I appreciate your compassionate thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[DIVYA]

You are most welcome, dear Chris.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and those who flee for good reason, looking for shelter, for freedom for love and finding violent seas will not allow them to reach that destiny...
so sad indeed...and this is a beautifully written tribute.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob. The loss of life is tragic.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

Once again, you tug on my old Navy man heart. I made it home, but many did not. Thank you for these respectful, beautiful words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sam. Yes, the ocean has taken the lives of many and for a multitude of reasons. If this little poem makes you reflect on your own experiences and the ones you lost when you were in the Navy, then I am happy to have penned it. May they RIP.

Chris