Evoking the Cologne

Evoking the Cologne

A Poem by Chris Shaw

Dad's dressing gown
remained exactly where
he last placed it,
on a shiny brass hook
on his bedroom door,
where it stayed
in its navy blue state,
hanging lifeless long after
his fate had been sealed.

Long after his unexpected
demise and my eyes
had lost focus on life,
I would wear it.
Wrap myself in its embrace
close my lids then breathe in
the essence of him.

That familiar cologne
bringing him back
for a few precious moments
before the sense of loss
would kick in with vigour
and tear me apart
like a ripped seam.


© 2019 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

this tore me apart...and made my eyes water...reminding me of my dad and how much i miss him...
and speaking of the cologne...i remember how particular he was about hygiene, the shave, the old spice, the showers...and then how in his last couple years he hated showers...didn't even realize he no longer cared about that....
so well written here.
j.

Posted 4 Years Ago


3 of 3 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Thanks Margie.
jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

and I thank you, too, Margie...
Chris' poem evoked so many feelings and memories for me...read more
Einstein Noodle

4 Years Ago

i like your response also jacob...Old Spice all the way ... and always clean shaven ... except maybe.. read more



Reviews

A nice sensory piece palpable with loss and reflection.

Posted 1 Month Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

Thank you Fabian. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris
Superb work. It's amazing how the sense of smell evokes memories.

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

I agree Thomas. Thank you so much for stopping by today. All the best.

Chris
With me it is my Uncle Othneils pipe tobacco. I seem to smell it at all the important parts of my life. But then he was my true father . Not the one I called Dad. Excellent memory and tribute.

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

Thank you Ken for stopping by to share your thoughts. You are much appreciated. All the best.
.. read more
So much of your work deals with memories and history... I hope you find the catharsis you deserve through your poetry

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

What a considerate and generous review John. Thank you so much for your kindness. Have a good Wednes.. read more
"Tear me apart like a ripped seam." If you'd only written that one phrase, it would have conjured up so many thoughts and feelings. (Like it did for me on reading it.) Love your poetry Chris, there's always so much meaning in what you write.x

Posted 1 Month Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Month Ago

So lovely to find you here Pauline. A delightful surprise. Hope all is good with you and thanks for .. read more
Loss is such a universal and timeless theme to explore, and you have done well to separate the you voice of the poem and your own. Well done.

Winston

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Many thanks Winston. Not an easy one to write. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris
This reminded me of people I have lost, including my own mother just last year. It never gets any easier. Ever.

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

You are right Kaylor. It doesn’t get any easier. I lost my mother last year too. Condolences to yo.. read more
Sorrowfully written, lovingly remembering.

Wonderful read.

With love,

Matthew

Posted 3 Months Ago


Chris Shaw

3 Months Ago

Thank you Matthew for your lovely review. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris
Dear Chris Shaw,
I don't know if this fiction/non-fiction,
so, to critique is befound ( hard to tell its worth).
as best told; must say, I thought at first priest, or marriage,
but it is a tragic death, whence the cologne is the sole memory,
within the gown. very indicative and powerful withing the poem,
"and tear me apart
like a ripped seam."
--great writ, ---1809 Black Plague December

Posted 10 Months Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

10 Months Ago

Thank you so much for bringing my Dad back to me this morning. Thirty two years gone, what a blessin.. read more
I have no memories of my father, and whenever I read stirring pieces like this, I truly know what I lost. And I live that loss to this day, wishing I were the woman I am now, as opposed to the little girl I was. Although I have nothing tangible to remind me of him, I'd like to think I would know him - by heart!

(((Hugs)))) and much love, dear Chris!

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Your review touched me Kelly. A great loss for you never having known your father. Thank you for yo.. read more

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Added on April 19, 2019
Last Updated on April 19, 2019

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

Writing
Spoken Spoken

A Poem by Chris Shaw



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