"No more", they said, "No more"

@ 1930, and true. My Nan's father. She could barely bring herself to utter his name.

Last breath he took upon a bench,

the stench of liquor on his lips.

A selfish drunk who could not see

the harm inflicted painfully

on those he left dirt poor.

So cold the corpse at dawn in death.

Much colder still the ice-skimmed pond,

and frozen stiff the hearts of those

that cursed the way of life he chose.

"No more", they said. "No more".

Reviews

[Lanny]

This is such a powerful piece, spiced with rich, impactful diction.
You've done a wonderful job with this one.

All the best,

Lanny

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your lovely review Lanny. All good wishes.

Chris

[Phill Oz O'fee]

The tragedy of a chaotic lifestyle bourne from alcohol and self-abandonment. Even more poignant when it was an ancestor you have poetically highlighted. They said 'no more'' but the story still remains with us today - I sad share ... :-)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Phill. I know more about him probably than my Nan did because of my delving into our ancestry. He probay drank to hide the pain that he harboured from his early life.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

It would be interesting to know more about this tragedy, which is apparently a true story. The pain from the event still lingers in the words, a product of the vivid imagery.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your review John. Your thoughts very much appreciated.

Chris

[Onlyme]

Wow, Chris, this is harsh, raw, deep and heartwrenching, truth. I can so easily relate to as can others. Alcoholics really are selfish souls. Who will do anything for a drink? To ease their own sufferings. And forget about anyone else. And leave them to lick their own wounds alone. Regards to the effect they have caused towards others. With their drinking. Epic reality check Chris. How someone who is addicted to booze. Can ruin their own life, let alone others close to them. And be banished or killed due to drink. Really admire your honesty and openness Chris on this one. As talking about deep wounds that hurt like this. Is not always easy to do.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dawn for your very thoughtful response. Take care

Chris

[Gee]

Have seen a few good men lose all to the demon drink. Not for me, 1 hangover and I'm off the sauce for weeks on end.
One of my closest friends freely admits that if he had the disposable income to drink heavily everyday he would be on it full tilt, that doesn't compute with me.
Another fine piece of writing Christine, or should that be, yet another fine piece of writing.
Hope your tights haven't been blown off :))

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Gee. Yes, many have gone this way and they hurt many others in the process. Windy weather, no tights today but my socks are firmly on my feet!

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

This is really exceptional. Captures the essence of all we believe addiction to be, and the utter futility of our beliefs

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Lyn for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Addiction and ruin are close bedfellows.

It's not limited to just booze or the other more obvious things of course.

It's a personality trait that is terminally selfish, for all involved no matter why or what. It might even seem admirable at first... but it always leads to ruin in the end.

You've written the essence of this quite nicely with brevity. (I think so anyway, sometimes I assume I know what people are talking about but in reality have no idea).

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you David. I appreciate your visit and response.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

It's always my pleasure when it comes to you

[alanwgraham]

I think you have done the right thing Christine in keeping this short and being very explicit. The repeat use of frozen is very effective. There is a lot of story untold here - the back story of your Nan's father and then how this awful incident rippled down through the family. In my family my grandparent on my mothers side and then my mum and her brother were all teetotal and I have often wondered if there is a tale to tell.
This poem is really great!
Enjoy Christmas!
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Alan. Thanks for checking in and yes, there is much background story untold here. I have to say I have a more sympathetic view of James Skates, my great grandfather. My research has probably uncovered more than my Nan ever knew about her Dad. Sad story.

Chris

[john l smith]

Quite a sorry situation
alcohol, drugs, weed, they grab the nose and take the lead
Death is a radical solution
Dave B

[Chris Shaw]

Life is all about choice and some make some really dumb choices which have a huge impact on the life of others. Thank you Dave.

Chris

[Dr. YumnaKay]

This is touching but sadly, I've seen it happen here as well, where someone's passing away actually brought relief to their family more than grief..
Strong write, this one.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dr Y. I'm sure it happens more than we care to think. The way some conduct their lives through bad choices can have a devastating effect on their nearest and dearest.

Chris