Woven By Circumstance

For my friend Nicky who died of ovarian cancer 12 years ago. I survived breast cancer, she died, friends and neighbours for 20 years. Battling together.

I wove myself the finest friend,

alike we were in warp and weft.

We worked life's loom but she was doomed

and her demise left me bereft.

One spring the common thread broke loose,

too tough for her, I saw her break.

Yet we had shared our inner fears,

the tears which flowed, the pains and aches.

For neither one of us could bear

to recognize in others eyes

we chose to hide from those we loved

the dread of death found lurking there.

Our friendship was a treasured gem,

since then the years have passed on by

but always when I think of her,

I do so with a heavy sigh.

Reviews

[Lorry]

A beautiful memorial to another victim of that lottery we barely understand, where fate dooms us to hearing the tick of time as an entirely different thing, a countdown.
Some survive, others dont, but all learn what up to then we take for granted, seeing family grow up and expand, getting to where we want to be in life and a thousand other beautiful moments we fear we won't see again.
It seems at times like those that everything is like a lottery and life is the prize.
I'm sorry you lost a friend, and a goodie by the sounds of it. It does put things into perspective though. Maybe I should stop moaning about the weather and just accept I will forever be pale blue and just get on with it.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Lorry about life being a lottery. We don't know how long we've got. It takes the near misses and the loss of close friends before their time to make you appreciate what you've got. There's something to be said in living each day as though it wS your last.

Cheers me dear

[Lorry]

Exactly, so have a cream cake with that vanilla latte and go buy a sled in case there is more snow. Remember also to make the appropriate "wheeee" sounds when skiting yourself down that hill :)

[Chris Shaw]

Yes I have been in a sled. Not this year, last. Scared me to death, but I did it. Grandson on the back, steep hill, ended up buried in snow at the bottom. Great fun. Thanks for permission to have that bit of cream cake with my hot chocolate with cream and sprinkles on top :)

[Lorry]

Well I never mentioned sprinkles, but go on :)

[Chris Shaw]

Yeah why not :)

[Ranger Kessel]

I am sorry of your loss. I know it can hurt. It does and I am trying to not let it define me. I am proud of your write. I hope you can move forward, I t3nd to get too hung up.

[Chris Shaw]

It's a long while ago Ranger, but this is my tribute to her. Thank you for your kind thoughts and your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris

[ShubhamT]

Heart touching Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for checking in. I truly appreciate your visit.

Chris

[ShubhamT]

My Pleasure!

[Robert Trakofler]

To quote the not so famous Bad Bunny... Taking a stroll, astride your soul, Touching the threads, that marks your treads, Stamping wit’s aesthetic, you’re knit, Won’t grieve… this indelible weave! Your weave is part of hers and live on in absolute beauty in that gorgeous heart's tapestry of yours! This poem is so touching to me and your rhyme and rhythm are supreme in this piece. I am so sorry for your loss... but I am overjoyed in your survival and blessed to add continuance to your memorial musings

[Chris Shaw]

BB you have knocked me out with your awesome review. Thank you so much for checking in.

read moreBB you have knocked me out with your awesome review. Thank you so much for checking in.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Beautiful and emotive writing that touches me deeply. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Miss Sharon for your lovely review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Nicky was a lucky lady to have you in her life, Chris. I can feel the deep sadness you still have after losing her. Cancer...we must find a way to stop this dreaded killer. I, too, am a survivor. I have walked in the Relay for Life for 7 years now and will do so again in April. This is a cause all of us should support. Unfortunately, all our lives have been scarred by this disease in one way or another. Your poem is heartfelt and so lovely. lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

You too Lydi**. We all hope this dreadful disease will be eliminated in the future. It touches nearly every family. Good on you for walking the walk. Yes Nicky was a huge loss, but there have been others too. All before their time. I so appreciate your response.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

A warrior's lamentation for lost soldier in the battle of life . Your gentle weave of words carry a burden of heartache and loss. A friendship like that is truly a treasured gem, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mrudula, your thoughtful comments on my friendship tribute are so appreciated. All good wishes to you dear poetess.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

This heart tugging tribute is very precious, Chris. I am glad you shared with us.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you.

[Relic]

It's tough to lose a friend to cancer. I've lost a bunch, I know the feeling too well. Life's not always fair.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. My tribute for a special friendship. You are so right, it is hard losing friends. Sadly it happens more as we progress through life and it doesn't come any easier. Appreciate your thoughts and visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Rarely do we have a trusted friend. Someone who listen to us and we listen and care for them.
"One spring the common thread broke loose,
too tough for her, I saw her break.
Yet we had shared our inner fears,
the tears which flowed, the pains and aches."
Some pain. A forever ache. Thank you Chris for sharing your words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Coyote for your kind review.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[emmajoy]

First your writing, the language, the poem: finely, gently, intelligently laid, each and every stanza. How it hurts to lose a dear friend in such a way, to share dark moments that you can understand because..

You know we've lost three siblings, that i've lost dear friend Aly and others. But no matter that where you're concerned, in spite of my emotions.. can only imagine how you've felt since those days. But, dear Chris, nobody can tread in your shoes or know much hurt they inflict. So sad.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em. There have been many losses sadly of friends and family. Departed this place too soon. This is my own way of remembering Nicky and what a good friend she was. Thank you for reviewing. Enjoy the rest of Sunday.

Chris

[emmajoy]

(( Christine ))

[Dave]

Losing a close friend is sometimes worse than losing a family member. Friends as those we chose and who chose us. Often we share secrets with them we dare not tell anyone else. We love them because, well just because we do and they love us for the same reason. Family, we are born with. There isn't too much we can do about it. They and we so often take our love for each other for granted, but it's never a guarantee.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

How very wise your words are Dave. I know exactly how you feel. Many thanks for calling in.

Chris

[Dave]

Thank you for your kindness. I believe that in order to receive love, we must give love.
read moreThank you for your kindness. I believe that in order to receive love, we must give love.

Take care - Dave