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 ...

[Dripping Chocolate Madn..]

:) old spice. that's what does it for me.
Old spice and Papa. Great man.
Scent memory is something else.

LOVELY write. LOVELY. I could smell bassy notes of musk the whole time. And maybe a hint of cardamom?

[Chris Shaw]

DCM, so pleased you thought of your Papa and Old Spice when you read my poem. Your review, quite lovely. Thank you. I remember Old Spice too :)

Chris

[Abhilash Hegde]

The title of the poem drew me in, by the time I reached the end of it - it was a heavy heart feeling deeply for the thoughts expressed here. This write is so full of emotions and is like a memory trip taken to bring the moments you cherished alive. Loss of dear ones is unimaginable, nothing can fill their void. But their memories always live on and remind us of their presence around us. I believe, they are up there watching us and blessing us! Respect. Period.

Thank you Chris, for writing and sharing!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Abhilash, that is such a thoughtful review. Thank you so much for your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[X]

Such a heartfelt poem my dear Chris--feeling you!!! I do the same with my brother's T-shirts--inhaling his fainted scent and remembering a lifetime...chills...

[Chris Shaw]

Like minds Kira. It brings immense comfort. Thank you dear poet for your valued visit.

Chris

[X]

Ditto my dear❤️❤️❤️

[alanwgraham]

Oh dear, Chris. This poingant poem takes me back 20 years to you can guess when. In the last few months I've been writing up family history and it's made me think about these things. For me, and I guess for most, it can be certain triggers that bring the past flooding back.
The occasional tear is better than forgetting !
I hope you are well
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Quite well thanks Alan. It's thirty years since my Dad died, this is an old poem, but it does have a universal theme to it. Good luck with writing up your family history. I've had a go at doing that too. Like looking for a needle in a haystack at times. All the best to you and yours.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Yes, I have watched our both fathers pass and it is all very difficult
My mother especially so

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for giving this old write an airing. A difficult topic altogether.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

When we grow too old to dream... we remember
the essence of perfumes that lingered in our
past when simple pleasures were our treasures.
My Mother loved the scent of flowers, from France,
and my Father loved my Mother. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat for your lovely review. Scents always remind me of people and places. Have a peaceful Saturday, my friend.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

Dear Chris for me this poem brought back memories of my mum and her favourite pink fluffy housecoat and her favourite perfume was vanilla fields and I remember they stopped making it here so she had to order it online from France. Every year at Christmas and on her birthday I think about how she loved her perfume and I can vividly smell her wearing it.
A heart wrenching wonderful write .

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Katrina, thank you for sharing your lovely mum with me. I am so sorry for your loss. Your review truly appreciated me.

Chris

[Katrina Mckeown]

Thank you x

[Fairy Khan]

This is reallly heartwrenching. Wonderful write. You have captured the essence of your loss so beautifully in this one. Your dad is in a better place.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fairy. I appreciate your thoughtful review.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Heartrending.
Soul-searching bewilderment.
A loss that--in this life--will never be reconciled.
Powerful, dear poetess!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Reading this poem again brings the rawness back. Some grief never goes.

read moreThank you Jimmy. Reading this poem again brings the rawness back. Some grief never goes.

Chris

[Ana Papaya]

It hurts to let go, and it hurts to hang on.
Loss is something we endure without ever moving on from.
I feel this deeply in your words.

[Chris Shaw]

Ana forgive me for not thanking you earlier for your response. You are missed by the way. All good wishes.

Chris