Gentle On My Mind

Let this planet be a place

of gentle thought and kindly deeds.

Extinguish all the fires of hate

that grow like mould on old stale bread.

Each one of us is doomed to die,

but let it be by natural means

and not by those whose hatred spills

to torch our world and flame it red.

While in their beds our young ones sleep,

what scope, what hope, no wonder I

search out for answers and for peace

when travelling in the pre-dawn sky.

A crescent moon blows me a kiss

and Venus winks but yet I hear

beyond the heavens hurtling down

an echo sobbing in my ear.

Reviews

[Eilis]

A wonderful, hopeful message for the season. It is difficult to understand so many things about human choice and action. For example: why do we often choose chaos over peace? It seems counterintuitive.

But we still have hope and the freedom of will, and maybe every personal choice to pursue peace will advance ideas like these.

I really enjoyed the images in the last stanza. A nice touch of whimsy and imagination. I also appreciate this little message of light shining among the darkness. Great work, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Eilis for your thoughts. Good to have you here on my page. All good wishes to you and yours at Christmas.

Chris

[Eilis]

Thanks for the wishes, Chris. Hope you and yours had a lovely holiday.

[Einstein Noodle]

a smattering of a rhyme scheme Chris ;) V1 is a warming prayer ...made a conscious decision to pray it

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Mr E for saying that prayer. Merry Christmas to you and all best wishes.
read moreThank you so much Mr E for saying that prayer. Merry Christmas to you and all best wishes.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

and same to you Chris...its been a pleasure to get to know you here at the Cafe' ... wouldn't it be something if we could have a Cafe' Convention at some giant coffee shop ...;) peace and joy!

[Fran Marie]

It would be nice to rid the world
of hatred...Venus winks but yet I hear beyond the heavens..

.poignant piece beautillly penned..

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Fran Marie for your visit. You are most welcome. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lanny]

Such a touching, reflective piece, and the poignant sense of sadness slides into the smoothly developed melancholy.

Nicely done, and all the best,

Lanny

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your lovely review Lanny.

Chris

[DIVYA]

There’s still a residual sadness in me even in the most dazzling of skies. That sadness is of my own misplaced hatred and my own uncharitable actions in the past. A very touching poem Chris, the concluding verse is just beautiful! 💕

[Chris Shaw]

Your comments always welcome and appreciated DIVYA. Thank you.

Chris

[john l smith]

All precious hopes for now and the future!!!
Make it happen!!!!

But, RUkiddin me??
"Am I going to die? Really?"
Well whatever.
That's life for ya!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. Smiling at your response. All the best.

Chris