Martha

A spirit crossed my path as I

breathed in the scent of pearly pinks,

in garden beds of hyacinths >

Her presence lingered, caught my thoughts,

a pause for moments to reflect,

to pay though late my fond respects

and conjure up those early days

on visits guided to a chair.

I'd listen, learn each time I stayed.

How old she seemed, how thin the skin

on hands that poured out lemonade

and played at making paper dolls.

It's strange that drapes once tightly drawn

can part at random to reveal

lost souvenirs that years can steal.

She left as softly as she came,

but not before I called her name.

Reviews

[Neville]

although at first I thought this would be a mourning song .. its not at all .. its a celebration of a series of fond recollections all rolled into one and marks each respectfully with a dignity and poise befitting of Martha herself and the poet recalling her .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

It is a fond recollection Neville and I thank you kindly for calling on Martha. I felt it was time to let her breathe some fresh air. I hope you are having a good day and looking forward to the bank holiday weekend my friend.

Chris

[Neville]

Greeting from a so far, somewhat damp, Somerset .. my pleasure entirely ma'am

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry you haven’t got the sunshine Neville. It is glorious here. I am an optimist too so reckon the sun will shine on you and yours soon :)

[Neville]

so am I so think so too .. maybe :)

[Chris Shaw]

No need for confusion. Martha is my great grandmother and Neville is Neville:) The poem is an old one out for an airing. Sorry you got rain:)

[barleygirl]

This is so beautiful! I love the actual vignette you tell in well-crafted imagery, but it also brings other side ideas to mind, as well. So many times I feel the presence of someone I miss & cannot be with anymore . . . it happens lots of times when I’m doing something joyful like gardening, as if we’re doing it together. That’s the main imagery that sticks with me, as your poem is very memorable, just like some of the friends we cannot be with anymore (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for a lovely review Margie. It's usually when I am on my own and quiet that I can pick up on this type of presence. Can't explain it, but it happens. It is joyful as well, not sad, and I usually have an inkling who my spirit friend is as well. So glad you find this poem to be memorable.

Chris

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi Chris, Beautiful tribute poem. It is so sad when you lose a loved one.

This is a nicely structured, well metered poem. Your beginning lines, "breathed in the scent of pearly pinks,in garden beds of hyacinths.' "Pinks" and "hyacinths" is a very strong rhythmic connector. I read through several of your poems. You seem to have mastered the world of rhyme. I think that you would also be great at free verse poetry. I can tell you enjoy what you are doing as a poet. Keep up the good work. Earl

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Earl and for reading some of my other stuff. i have always loved rhyme and meter, but do on occasions do dabble with free verse/blank verse. I am always a bit nervous of it though. I really appreciate your visit. Thank you.

[Beccy]

The most precious of memories quite beautifully preserved in this lovely poem. I barely remember my great grandma, I was very young when she died. But my grandma, (nanny goggles,) as she was known to all of us kids on account of her pink plastic, no nonsense free prescription glasses, holds such precious memories for me and my sister and cousins. Weekends and she would have us, (five grandchildren in all,) stay over at her house. We would go for rambles in the country, pick blackberries from the hedgerows, or she would take us strawberry picking of perhaps just for a walk through one of the local woods. Eighteen years have passed now but I still remember those blissful times, always will.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Beccy for such a lovely review. I'm pleased that my poem about Martha brought memories of your Nanny Goggles back to you. It may be 18 years since she died, but you will always be able to reflect on the good times you had with her. Blissful times, yes indeed.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a beautiful tribute to someone who was special to you...taught you many things and left an indelible impression...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

She was indeed special. Thank you Jacob for your kind review.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Full of grace, that she was...most indeed. How eloquently you penned this, Chris, bringing forth memories of my own grandmother, and the last time I visited her in a nursing home. Years steal more than souvenirs, don't they? Such a stirring read, certain to touch the heart of all who read it!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kelly. My great Grandmother, When I think of her I have the same feelings for her that I did when I was seven. She was a real lady and she fascinated me. I thought she was so terribly old and I really do feel her presence at times.

[Nesu]

sounds like a wonderful woman who was full of life and managed to life a good amount of it to tell as well. Martha would be proud of this dedication piece. :-)

[Chris Shaw]

My great grandmother. A real lady, who used to dress for afternoon tea. I hope she would be proud and know that I remember her very fondly. Thank you for your kind review.