When Words Mean Nothing

I, a so called poet,

who can burn a blank page

with word rage,

can turn a lively sparkling sea

into a calm, soothing balm.

Who can conjure up a sunrise

or sink the sun beyond a horizon

paint words in colour

on a grey wet day

evoke the scent of a rose

in the throes of midwinter

and melt snowflakes in summer heat.

I can convey all this

and yet

when my beloved Mum

elderly and frail,

ailing and sick

tells me she wants to die,

all I can do is sigh

and tell her I love her.

I have no words

that will bring her a crumb

of comfort 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is truly one of your very best that I've read so far. I love the way you touch all the familiar topics in fresh & heartfelt ways, a constant stream of amazing poems. Your descriptions of writing (here) are so lyrical & then your poem twists into the final torque that tweaks your heart, expressed gently & with immense compassion. I wish it were easier to talk about death sometimes (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Now your words do mean something Margie. Thank you so much.

Chris

[NO MORE]

Love and Hug!! Welcome warmly :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This is sad indeed Chris but perhaps one way of dealing with it is not to be sad but to accept that all too often aging leads down that path and simply being there and empathising is enough and all you can do. Don't try to alter her thinking but ask her what you can do for her today.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Many thanks John for your kind words. We accept my Mum's altered state, and do our best to keep her happy.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Its all you can do Chris but still not nice for you.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

It's not unusual John. Many are faced with this situation these days :(

[Cassie]

Poets have no words sometimes when those words are needed the most. This is a bitter sweet poem. I really like it, really have enjoyed reading it

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Cassie of the smiling face, thank you so much for your visit and your very kind words. All good wishes.

Chris

[free spirit]

Hi. Your words, so raw with emotion struck a chord within my heart. And what you say is true, there are no real words of comfort to offer our loved ones who are in such pain and suffering that they would rather leave this worldly abode...
This one struck me deep...
Take care and warm regards...

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you free spirit for your thoughtful review. All good wishes coming your way.

Chris

[free spirit]

Always a pleasure and sending mountains of strength to you and your mum..

[Christine Anne Shaw]

You are really kind. Thank you for your caring.

[john l smith]

My buddy had the same words spoken to him, with his mother spending more time in dialysis, than out, and eventually, she just wanted to drift away.
A difficult period to go through as you know and I often wonder what our thoughts will be under similar circumstances.
If your Mother was coherent at the end, that would be a minor blessing.
My Mother and Father-in-law, both with dementia, went very poorly, that being very hard on the families.
My Mother-in-law and my Father just dropped on the spot, which although shocking, was much easier on everyone

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thanks Dave, I have to agree that the dropping on the spot is kinder for all. What my mum is going through is torture for everyone.

Chris

[kitty]

Words can mean so much ~ even at the tenderest touch, can make or break us ~ make us feel at ease. They can do so much tis true ,make men do what they very oft rue. With words the world go round. lets face it where would we be ~ without words? Wonderful composition Christine.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you so much kitty, for giving this poem an airing. It means a great deal because it's about my beloved mum.

Chris

[kitty]

Dont we just that they could be with us always and forever!

[kentuck14]

Yes . . . a poet can do amazing things . . . but . . .
I appreciate this poem because it's not only well done but reveals a humility in the face of the human condition. Thanks for your being vulnerable before us.

Tom

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Many thanks Tom, for giving this old poem another airing. Nothing has changed since I first wrote it. Mum is still with us in body if not in spirit.

Chris

[MsJewel]

You have touched my heart with this one. I'm at a loss for words...so touching and beautiful :) Julie

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you so much for your lovely words Julie. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Nice write Chris , we are only in control of our own destiny and sadly not for others.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Andrew, sadly you are right. Many thanks for calling on this older poem in the archives. Good to give them an airing.

Chris

[Taniska 😊€..]

You are like my grandma I can't judge your writing but I want to tell you that I love your writing style and the line that I love most in this poem is ,"I love my mum". Thanx for writing such a beautiful poem.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Taniska for your very lovely response.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

telling her you love her is comfort to her but let her know that you understand and that she is free to go and that you will be ok as you understand.
thats my only advice. Hard to say though. I lost mum 4 years ago. its very hard. I miss her but know she is at peacenow. Take care and thanks for sharing your story with us x

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely response Julie. Your words are very much appreciated.

Chris