Balloons and Brothers

(Remembering my younger brother 7th anniversary 12.8.21 forever loved)

A gust of wind whipped my balloon,

on string tucked in my hand it tugged.

My fingers felt the final slip,

I held on tight but lost my grip,

I watched aghast it sailed away.

I've not forgotten that day when

my young voice strained and screamed out loud.

My loss etched deep, a child's despair

as floating red, reclaimed by air,

my smile replaced by blue dismay.

 

I search this morning's pink streaked sky

recall our childhood you and I.

As sun wakes up to warm my soul,

my sorrow breaks, I'm far from whole,

those thoughts of you bleed through and often.

Grief bites hard, yet time can soften.

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Chris, I can identify with this one. While I am an only child, I spent most of my childhood with my cousin. When someone you have shared so much with is gone, it seems as though the memories get blurry. The honest emotion in this poem resonated with me. The rhythm and rhyme of your lines makes for a lovely flow. May the memory of your brother always be a blessing to you. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi** I appreciate your share here. Your review is encouraging and your thoughts kind. read moreThank you Lydi** I appreciate your share here. Your review is encouraging and your thoughts kind.

Chris

[Gee]

So hard to process the death of a loved one when they are taken to early.
With mum I was more than ready to release the string that kept her nearby but always unwell. Saying that I would gladly hold it for another day given the opportunity:))
A quite lovely piece, sad too.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee. Very close to him. Only a year separated us. Your review touched me.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

as you are only too aware, family is never forgotten and time, as ineffective as it may seem to be, does eventually at least soften, to whatever degree.
We lost a young child and I've never forgotten his smile.

[Chris Shaw]

Dave, you just brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Thank you for sharing that with me.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

I was introduced to difficult emotions as an elementary schooler when my best friend came down with something, and his parents, of a well known religious denomination, would not take him for medical attention, instead relying on the power of prayer with tragic results
It seems time does its share to help out with all these difficult issues that so many go through
Be good

[Chris Shaw]

A tragic situation when religion comes before science :( Poor little boy.

[John the Baptist]

Grief can insert itself years after the loss which occasioned it. Here the speaker is viewing a morning sky made more beautiful by the pink streaks of the sun. Still, it summons the memory of a painful loss from years past. While we understand life includes its losses, it is still hard sometimes to come to terms with them.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, some deaths impact you more than others. Thank you John.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

The comparison between the balloon and grief is a clever way to add an image to what it feels like.

The last stanza shows how grief periodically can come creeping back in for a moment.

[Chris Shaw]

I'm pleased you decided to review this one PB. The poem is an important one for me. Thank you.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome. I read most of your poems. I’m always emerged in one emotion or another when I do

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to hear that PB. All poets long to be read. Thank you.

[Poetic Beauty]

That we do

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

no better way yo honor your brother like this touching tribute to him. very powerful poem

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale. I appreciate your visit. Hope you are keeping well.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris. I lost two brothers to suicide. One in 1987 and one in 1988. Barely twenty. Everyday I think of them still.
"As sun wakes up to warm my soul,
my sorrow breaks, I'm far from whole,
those thoughts of you bleed through and often.
Grief bites hard, yet time can soften"
I understand the above lines. Thank you dear friend for sharing your words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

The loss of your two brothers must have been devastating Coyote. I miss my brother too, every single day. Thank you for your understanding.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Take care...

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

A beautiful tribute to your dear brother Chris
Julie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie.

[Eilis]

What an evocative tribute, Chris. Loss is definitely a long road to travel with many bends. Working through those feelings can be such a challenge, but I like the way you focus on the way grief evolves. At times it’s sharp and others nostalgia makes the person a companion for a day. Even then it can blow about like a changing wind one day to the next. Your metaphor is so strong here.

You’ve offered such a touching portrait of personal growth and coping with this poem. Poignant and beautifully expressed.

[Chris Shaw]

Eilis your visits to my work are so much appreciated. Thank you for your kind thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[SeaJay]

I could feel your sorrow while reading your poem.
I am sorry for your loss. I'm sure he watches over you still, like a protective brother always will.

*Peace*Light*Love*Laughter*

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Sea Jay for your thoughtful response. Appreciated very much.

Chris

[augustus]

The moments of sorrow are often forgotten with the passage of time. Your piece is nicely written and I thank you for it.

[Chris Shaw]

And I thank you Augustus for reading this poem on the 5th anniversary of my brother's death. You honour us both.

Chris

[augustus]

I'm sorry to read of your personal sadness Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts much appreciated Augustus. You have a kind heart.