Scars and Stars

(In memory of Nicky, Karen, Sally, Pat and Cathy who left behind young children)

I am reminded

each day I wake,

that scars like stars

in a jet black sky

have their own

special brand of beauty.

I did not die,

they are proof that I survived,

grew strong.

It is my duty to recall

the fall of my sisters in pink,

reflect and think,

there but for God's grace.

My place here,

near friends and family,

all whom remain dear to me.

Yet never far from my mind

there are times 

when shadows of my friends

blend into my thoughts

and whisper gently to me

of life's uncertainty.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Those left behind....are both thankful and sad. We are left to mourn the friends we have lost. I have done that enough times in my life...it is so hard. Life is uncertain as your poem says...and I know today could be it, any day...so i try to live the fullest for them...those friends I have lost over the years...Paula, Carl, Junior, Liz, Jane and Sue...all gone much too early in their lives, and mine.
thank you for this poem Chris...i remember today, and always.

j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob. When I am having an off day, I think of them and it spurs me on. They all would have done anything to have survived. We do have to make the most of our time, because uncertainty lurks round every corner. Thank you for mentioning your friends along with mine. We remember them all today, with much fondness.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

" ..... when shadows of my friends blend into my thoughts and whisper gently to me of life's uncertainty." those words brought tears, dear Chris. thoughts of those i loved, no more among us constantly enter my heart and cast such a dark shadow at all hours, for some gone too soon and left a big empty space to deal with. Your delicate poem articulates perfectly love and the pain of loss.

[Chris Shaw]

Another visit from you Mrudula, you are spoiling me. Thank you so much. An old write, but one that needed to be aired again. Have a lovely day my friend.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

It is a pleasure to read your poems, Chris. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

[Chris Shaw]

And you too Mrurdula

[John Alexander McFadyen]

There are no certainties, that is certain Chris. Such a sad refrain about loss. Sad when children are left behind prematurely. I am guess ing cancer given the 'pink' reference. Not selective nor fair. A well constructed piece that is a great tribute to the fallen.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks John. In this case the pink ribbon represents breast cancer. Terribly sad to lose friends before their time and to see how this dreadful disease impacts on family life. Cancer, doesn't care whom it strikes. Some are lucky others aren't.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

That that doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and the physical and emotional scars we have shows how strong we are.

Losing loved ones is the biggest scar we can have. But they live on when we pass on the love and wisdom they shared with us.

[Chris Shaw]

Much wisdom in what you say Dale. Many thank yous for your wise response. All good wishes.
read moreMuch wisdom in what you say Dale. Many thank yous for your wise response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

A lovely tribute to your friends gone too soon. There is many a time that I've wished to have one more day with any number of friends who left before I was ready for them to leave.

A poignant write, Chris, well done.

[Chris Shaw]

We have to live for them Ted. To have your life cut short in your prime is a terrible loss. Yes, I would love to be able to have a get together with them all. What fun that would be.

Chris