In the Genes

thick rust gathers
on a padlock where English oak
holds memories of you

confined to corridors of my mind
in a Pandora's box firmly closed

barbed wire heart
those paper cut sharps
with a sticks and stones story

no glory there
mid the dust of us

yet your velvet brown eyes
and long lashes
still melt my butter

butterfly flutter in familiar features
three young faces look at me
inherited genes
and I smile

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

Well done, Chris. You've stepped into a different format and produced a beautiful heartfelt poem that blends well with the rest of your work.
Funny how genes produce someone so familiar and yet not...bits & pieces of the past combined into a future that will always contain that reminder of a love that was...even if no longer a part of life.

A good write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Ted. Yes experimenting a bit to see what I can come up with. I am thankful for such a lovely review. Yes it does seem strange that someone no longer in your life has passed on strong similarities in colouring to family members. Brown eyes dominate.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

This is a great writing, Chris..
It's just one of a kind.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Kay. I appreciate your review. All the best.

Chris

[Karmee]

barbed wire heart
those paper cut sharps
with a sticks and stones story

I simply adored this part so much, Such a wonderful write here. Love this write

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Kit for the visit. Pleased to meet you on my page.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

When you see your ex's face in your kid I am sure it can be bittersweet. At least you know your relationship produced something great.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dale. How true your words are.

Chris

[Unspoken poet]

I just love how the last stanza's flow into each other, this is wonderful

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks choosen. Appreciate your comments and visit.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

oh wow! well done Christine ... well done indeed .. packed with imaging and consonance that satisfies my ear and tongue ... strong theme of heartbreak and recovery .. in the face of one's children .. fine write says i ... a super keeper for sure!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E. Experimenting with different forms. So pleased this little write meets your approval. Thank you so much. Such a lovely review you have left me.

Chris

[Sarah K Cass]

I do like this very much. I like "velvet brown eyes and long lashes" in particular. A love poem of a different kind. Nicely done, Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

How very true Amber, it is a love poem of a different kind. Thanks so much for checking this one out. Have a great day.

Chris

[Sarah K Cass]

You have a great day too.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you :)

[Wondering Mind]

Lovely flowing form and loved the alliteration in the grand finale stanza.
Beautiful description of your love in the third stanza!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your visit and lovely review. Yes there is much love there.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I am withn you on this one. It is as always a well written freeverse with great rolling lines like 'still melt my butter/butterfly flutter'. My kids too share features of someone long locked in the psyche box.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks John, then you will understand. I have learned to really love those features of his, although the rest can stay in the box.

Chris