Simply An Old Tin

(reworking of an archived poem) Beth age 7

With slim arms outstretched

and within the confines 

of her small cupped palms,

she holds both halves

of an egg shaped tin

contents long gone.

Paisley prettifies the

exterior,

traces of peppered rust line

the interior rim.

She presses both sides together,

smiling at her success.

Her bright eyes shut tight

blocking out the light,

as if this would magic up 

what has been lost.

A momentary silence and then

"This was my Dad's tin,

did he keep his toffees in it?"

No need to wait for a response,

as blue sleeves of her school 

pullover are seized and set to work,

to buff up the faded colours,

to restore the shine,

and bring him back to life.

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This one comes across as a memoir, a recalled moment from a child's life. The child has discovered a tin container now growing rusty with age. She asks if it was a possession of her father. We are told the contents are lost, probably symbolic of the father, who is evidently no longer in the picture. The little girl sets to work buffing the tin with her sleeves, "to restore the shine,/ and bring him back to life." This tells us the father is deceased, and the girl is speaking to his widow, her mother. This is a moving work, and while we feel a certain sadness, we also feel the girl has emerged from the loss undamaged and will face the future whole. Well done. Life can teach us lessons even in seemingly small events.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for your thoughtful review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

Something that could be often seen as worthless or empty to most, cpuld habe high value and meaning to someone else, in this case it was because it was her dads tin, and its a reminder of him. I love the message behind this. Brilliantly written :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks cimmy. That tin is so precious. Even years later, it still gets buffed up.

Chris

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

:) im glad you have it :)

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my..you have broke my heart Christine ..stunning poetry ..so involved in the scene and action ..pictured every nuance ... just stunning ... when a parent dies before the child .. the spouse carries their own deep grief .. and each of the children's as well when they are too young to understand .. or have not had worldly experiences yet .. in your comment this is about Beth ... your daughter i presume ... so she's older now but still ... give her a hug form Einstein would you?! a treasure of a poem in so many ways says i!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Mr E for your lovely comments. This is actually about my granddaughter who lives with me, so I will give her that hug anyway.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

:) .................... thank you!

[Relic]

This reminds me of child workers from long ago. To think that once children worked in coal mines and other assorted jobs is odd in today's world.

And then...on the other hand, I recall when I was young, we had a set of copper pigs. I would look at them all the time. Somehow they captured my imagination and I still remember the shine of them. Children do that, I guess. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tim for your thoughts. I had shells. I used to listen to the sea in them. My Gran gave them to me.

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

What a beautiful sentiment. I holding on to something he held dear in some sense you do bring him back to life for your memories. That is the gift of love.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tate. All the best.

Chris

[Beccy]

Those things that remind us; to others, perhaps just one more inanimate object; are so, so precious. They grant a connection that is palpable, allow us to remember with clarity just how much we loved and were loved in return.

My sister Georgina and I have lots of things left to us by our grandma, Her record collection, her books, (mostly poetry and now mine, along with her poetry journals.) One of Gina's much loved possessions is a chunky knit beige coloured cardigan grandma used to almost constantly wear. She wears it around the house on occasion, though not often as she's terrified of wearing it out.)
She says she can still smell the essence of grandma even after more than fifteen years have passed.

This is a most beautiful poem.

Beccy.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Beccy, so pleased for your visit here and for you sharing your own personal story. That was a delight to read. Many thank you and all good wishes to you both :)

Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

It's so important to keep the small things as memories of a loved one.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Lea for your visit and thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lea Sheryn]

You're welcome, Chris. All the best to you.

[gram linski]

Enjoyed the melancholy wave of this, the tender language and the poetry, all encasaed in simply an old tin over spilling with memories,

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks gram, appreciate you checking in.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A wonderfully set sad piece that cries hope and belief. So well written as it captures description and narrative to bring us this sad cameo.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for your lovely review. Good morning to you (just)

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A just my Lady but not the just after!