Evoking the Cologne

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.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. It's 28 years since my Dad died, but this poem is fresh off the press and his loss still haunts me. Sorry it made your eyes water.:(

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

He must have been really young...???

[Chris Shaw]

Young enough at 60. I don't think he would have made an accepting old man.

[barleygirl]

I love this share, Jacob . . . great response to a touching poem! (((HUGS))) to both of you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Margie.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and I thank you, too, Margie...
Chris' poem evoked so many feelings and memories for me...read moreand I thank you, too, Margie...
Chris' poem evoked so many feelings and memories for me...
j.

[Einstein Noodle]

i like your response also jacob...Old Spice all the way ... and always clean shaven ... except maybe on a Saturday ... when we were at risk for a whiskering ...

[willweb]

This was heart touching Chris. Sadly, I do not remember the cologne my father wore, I had moved far away from home in my early years. But I do know how a certain scent can bring back memories and make us long for those days again. Beautifully written my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you will. Yes, scents can really bring back memories.I appreciate your thoughts here.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - you brought tears to my eyes. Your love for him must have been wonderfully strong. This is so lovingly powerful- thank you for sharing.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave. This is an old poem. My Dad died many years ago so the grief has somewhat softened. Thank you so much for your visit.

Chris

[DIVYA]

We hope we never have to miss a loved one the way you have written it here.
And yet life happens and we are left with their deep, profound and tangible presence all around us, amplifying the sense of loss.
My heartfelt regrets on your loss and my sheer appreciation for such a moving poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Such a long time ago DIVYA. The grief for my Dad has softened. This year I lost my mum, so it starts all over again. Each loss though is different. This time I wear my mum’s clothes, as do my sisters. It brings us comfort. Thank you my friend.

Chris

[Ciara]

This is so moving. I can imagine the scene so well just I've done a millions times with things left behind by my own loved ones. Things I'm unable to part with. It's a temporary relief. A bandaid that stings when it's pulled away. Much love to you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ciara for your warm thoughts. An old poem. This year I lost my mum. I wear some of her clothes. It brings me comfort. My sisters do the same.

Chris

[Ciara]

💛 I'm sorry for your loss, Chris xx

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kindness Ciara. Really appreciate you.

[Betty Hermelee]

Such a beautiful tribute to your dad, and at the same moment brings you pain at his your loss. But you use vivid words to show us your agony...."before the sense of loss would kick in and tear me apart like a ripped seam".... really reveals us your emotion....a bittersweet moment.
Nice!
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks dear Betty. An old poem, so the grief has softened. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Chris; I still have those moments about my dad.....
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

My first thought after reading this is writing about your feelings might be like sewing the seam back together. Each line is a thread of memory with a needle of love. I liked the idea of wrapping up in the robe is an embrace. I hope time has healed the wound and muffled the scream a bit.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Bill. Many years ago, the grief has now softened. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[red93]

Oh Chris - so beautiful and poignant - and wonderfully well-written. Really Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank you’s Tony for checking this one out. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Neville]

I remember this almost word for word .. you commented on one of mine with a similar if not almost exact theme and sad source of inspiration ........ Oh' and like jacob must admit that it made me loose control of my lachrymal ducts again upon reading .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. A poem written many moons ago. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[lightsong]

My Dad's anniversary was on the 12th of this month, his brown robe which he wore often is still preciously saved, I still remember the scent... 14 years passed and I still remember it. scents linger in our memory forever. my heart is heavy and my tears spilled to this one dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear lightsong for calling and sharing your thoughts about this older poem. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Wonderfully expressed as emotions run through me of the loss of my mother, all her things lay in place as I fell apart at the seams. Took me a long time to finally find peace with her passing ;-.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Weeping willow. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris