When the Glass is Empty

(written following the death of a newly married policeman in our locality, on duty,)

In my thought stream
flows Lissie
for nine days she murmurs
in the corridors of my mind

Water under the bridge
what is done is done

For life screams unfair
strikes out in blind cruelty
cuts with its callous
unkindness

Fairy tale wedding
a month ago
her love in the course of duty
maintaining that thin blue line
taken
by those whose future focused
not on decency, but a life of crime

Redrum says I
because I can't say it as it is
all her dreams wiped out
with her effervescent smile

Lissie
left, bereft
clinging to an album
filled with memories
and crushed hopes

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Chris... the times we now live... has changed our demeanor
to the point of drowning in sorrow for all the Immigrants who truly
need a better Life. Separating the Wheat from the chaff... is difficult.
We will never be Care-free... now that precious lives are at Risk.
Your poetry always touches our inner thoughts. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

How right you are Pat about never being care free. There is always something to concern us and to keep us awake at night. I can't remember when I last had an undisturbed night's sleep. It is so long ago. Sending you love from across the pond.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I believe Prayer is Powerful... we can still pray that perhaps... it is God's way... although it is difficult to know that innocent people suffer. Be Brave and sleep well... knowing that there are still people who are fighting for Peace and Love in so many ways. It seems impossible to repair the damage; however, there is always Hope. truly, Pat

[barleygirl]

Thank you for your heartfelt tribute about this particular situation, which symbolizes the larger picture of all those who protect us despite risking their lives (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. Such a waste of life and four young offenders banged up inside. What a tragic situation.

Chris

[red93]

So terribly terribly sad Chris when Law Enforcement Officers and other key people are killed In the Line of Duty. This is when concepts of Justice become stretched and sometimes the Law itself does not make sense. There is no consolation for the Widow and sometimes Poetry is actually the only appropriate vehicle whereby the grief can be expressed. To the Newspapers it is just another sensational headline and another lure for their readers. A powerful and moving write Chris in which you touch on many essential truths in Society today.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony for checking this old poem out. Such a tragedy. You are aporeciated

Chrus

[Ruth]

"redrum" - clever Chris - I am so sorry for the lady involved, may her heart find peace in whatever small ways possible...poor soul. All the hope replaced by emptiness...so sorrowful and written with the respect deserved...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ruth for your thoughts on this sad situation. I appreciate you. Take care.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

("Redrum": "murder" backwards?)

Too often, especially, of late, those who keep the peace are forced to give up their lives.
"The thin blue line" is quickly becoming the thick red line--dark and bloody.
Ultimately, their supreme sacrifice is never enough; evil will continue to destroy.
Still, we owe Lissie and her dedicated deceased groom a debt larger than we can ever pay.
May God give her peace.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. This was on my patch, but was felt throughout the UK. Terrible situation, the loss of a dedicated police officer newly married. Fortunately it is not a frequent occurrence over here that a police officer dies on duty. Yes, may Lissue find peace.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad poem shared dear Chris. So many useless killings. People are left alone, never will they understand the lost of someone dear to them. Sometimes, the world can break our heart.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote. Yes, this was a really sad affair. I appreciate your visit and thoughts.

Chris

[gram linski]

Wise words, Chris, empathic and poetic with some great lyrical lines was shocked when I saw it on the News

[Chris Shaw]

Awful news. In our neck of the woods as well. Brings it home even more. Thanks for your visit gram..

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

how crushing this wretchedness was I hate how we use the word hero these days for anything particularly when used in an action to save ones own skin for me the definition of heroic is risking ones life for the sake of others as this man plainly did! I have several friends that are policemen now and I respect them to know end for the risks they give for us all and sometimes more so for not doing what I would be inclined in dispatch I do not have the temperament to be a cop especially were I to have to arrest those kids. My heart goes out to his wife

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Bunny. It is a desperate situation. A policeman's life taken four weeks after his wedding. It has shocked our county and indeed the country, and his poor wife and family are left trying to make sense out of the senseless. An incredible waste of life. Appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Jb]

WOW! This was not only very well written, but so powerful. It's therapy for anyone who has experienced loss.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jb for your welcome visit. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very nice poem about the true essence of mankind.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee for your visit.

Chris

[Abhijit Das]

A painful verse but loved reading. Would you permit me to translate it into Bengali?

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit. I have no objections re the translation as long as you credit me with being the author. Pleased to meet you and thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Abhijit Das]

Thank you so much