Other People's Misfortune

(1916)

Her name is Tryphena and she faces

a camera with pale solemnity. She stands

beside her brother, seated on a hard-back chair.

Her small left hand rests with dignity

on his right shoulder. He looks impeccably

smart in his newly pressed military uniform.

Brass buttons, polished and gleaming,

peaked cap, slightly tilted above one brow,

a half smile on his lips, eyes eagerly bright.

The soft gathers in her black silk skirt hang

loosely to her ankles and her open neck white

cotton, collared blouse is freshly starched.

Like a fragile bird she is, her waist so tiny

she looks as though she will snap in two.

They are perfect in sepia, they are forever in sepia

as sadly two days later on the first day of the battle

of the Somme, he was killed in action. Less than

six months later her husband was lost at sea.

The name Tryphena derives from Greek and means

dainty and delicate, as her appearance

would lead visitors of this museum to believe.

I stare at length into her long dead eyes

hoping beyond all hope that she was gifted

with the heart and courage of a lioness under threat.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

What an incredibly visual account, Chris. The elegant woman, her informed brother caught at a moment as tribute to their love but - a tragic future, including the loss of Tryphena's husband. Too many photographs remain of that time, a generation of men lost, and women who remained spinsters for the remainder of their lives. You've captured that sad, sad time so brilliantly.. albeit a terrible time.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Em. There are so many photographs, each one telling a story. This one though, I found myself thinking about long after leaving the museum. The expression on her face, almost told me she knew what was coming next. She was so tiny, like a little sparrow, and her brother so handsome. The sacrifice never fails to move me.

Chris

[emmajoy]

There have been a billion tragic moments involving war.. but perhaps 1914- 1918 left the deepest scars. Know many would dispute that but.. (Must visit that museum.)

[Black Jess]

What a beautiful sad tragic =(
Tryphena *-*
The utter rawness of this piece made me think of a movie about war, soldiers and losing the beloved ones. It's titled " Testament of Youth " I invite you to watch it ;)
Well written ^^

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks, I must look up that film. Good to have your thoughts on my page.

Chris

[Pete]

i too like looking at old photographs or anything old for that matter. you've shed some light in a deeply, moving tribute. everyone has a story to be told and that the world needs to hear - that is how we learn and practice respect. your descriptions of them are mesmerizing. i can just 'picture' them standing there. too bad we have to grow up, huh? great share ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Pete. I really appreciate your thoughts and visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

Awesome portrait Chris I love when an image strikes so much from you and the channeling ensues didn't get to see the image but i think I can in my minds eye from your write:)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Bunny. I never post images to go with my poetry, because I am trying to get the reader to build up their own pictures. I can't quite get used to you being Robert yet. I still love that Bunny too much. Maybe I'll get used to it one day:) Always look forward to your visits. Happy Saturday.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

long live the bunny:)

[Chris Shaw]

Long live the bunny :))

[Amanda Moubarak]

Beautiful image and a well written poem. well done

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Amanda for your visit and your review. Pleased to meet you. All good wishes.

read moreMany thanks Amanda for your visit and your review. Pleased to meet you. All good wishes.

Chris

[augustus]

A fearful and tragic time when all we have are sepia and faded photographs to remind us of long lost souls.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks augustus for your visit. Your thoughts appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Esther]

I wish I could write modern poetry in this style!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ester for your visit. Most appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Richard M]

Just a beautiful write Chris. Thank you for keeping us reminded of these times.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Richard my friend. Hope all is good with you. Many thanks for your thoughts on this poem. Always appreciated.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

forever bound in sepia! i especially like that...all alone it sets the setting ..your poem makes it personal with a scene of characters, including me, in reverence at a museum ... of war ... i see her too as a brittle twig in appearance ... your closing gives this visitor hope that perhaps down the line I will see just such fierce courage ...maybe she joined and served as a medic ..or supported those at home dishing out hot meals ... as we celebrate our Independence Day one's thoughts most naturally turn to the fight for it .. and the price of it ... well done! thanks for sharing! :)
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E for your thoughts and your take on this poem. May I wish you a very happy Independence Day. All good wishes coming your way from across the pond.

Chris

[Edie Blue Starfish]

Beautifully told. So many women found the courage to move on. It's tragic for sure, but we rise above

[Chris Shaw]

I am sure you are right. I would like to think that Tryphena had the strength to build herself a decent life after her tragedies. Many thanks Edie.

Chris

[LitStar]

I always enjoy prose like poetry

well composed


maybe more can be done with this even

I'd certainly have front row seat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you LitStar for your thoughts. Most appreciated.

Chris