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

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

So sad and tragic when this happens Chris. Great title and poignant verses well-describing Lissie as a young, brave bride facing the devastating and unjust loss of her husband in the line of duty. “For nine days she murmurs.. in the corridors of my mind- such palpable trauma and grief conveyed here. I empathize strongly my friend, but answers I have none. I hope Lissie can feel, and take comfort from, your caring heart mourning with her.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette, thank you for your beautiful review. So much appreciated.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are very welcome Chris. Xo

[emipoemi]

....I honestly need to read this again and delve into more of the lush brilliance of it. Because it IS brilliant. I don't understand it completely, but I might if I read once or twice more. I just loved the flow and that ending is holy kwap good!! Absolutely well done!! Too good for words.

[Chris Shaw]

That was a more than generous review emipoemi and I thank you for your visit and I'm pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[emipoemi]

my pleasure.

[Lydia Shutter]

Heartbreaking! No matter what punishment that killer gets, it will not give Lissie back the love of her life or her future with him. Such a compassionate write, Chris. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Lydi**, what is done is done and the aftermath has to be lived with, and how earth shattering that is for Lissie, relatives, friends and colleagues. Everyone suffers including the killer's family. A split second reaction by someone involved in crime, and the devastation is deadly. So appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

You take a life you forfeit a life,yours.Here in Florida at starke they just executed the man called the I-95 killer I understood they used to serve fried chicken on electrocution days not sure if that's still being done

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Kent. I ask whether the death penalty keeps the murder rate low? Does it make a difference and do people feel safer because of it? Thank you for visiting, always welcome.

Chris

[Kent Rawski]

are you kidding? this is a mass murderer killed lots of people along your I-95 corridor SO a yes less murders with him gone B yes people feel safer

[Kent Rawski]

and for those who are politically charged interestingly enough he killed male homosexuals sorry if that's not the right terminology

[Kent Rawski]

lissie murmurs in the corridors of your mind this man murders in the corridor of I-95

[Kent Rawski]

id say that's a difference a STARKE difference

[Chris Shaw]

A mass murderer? Had no idea. People will be sleeping much safer now for sure.

[Kent Rawski]

He killed 6 men known of executed aug22 name Gary bowles google it

[Kent Rawski]

Someone censored me

[Chris Shaw]

Will Google so I can get all the facts. Thanks.

[Sami Khalil]

A very sad story and occurrence. From what you described , it is heartbreaking indeed. Someone in the line of duty to serve and protect others must be a hero. I know his newly wed wife must be heartbroken. You have love and compassion dear poet for others.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami. Your thoughts are most appreciated.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Chris.

[Dave]

Chris this is such a shame. It seems that this sort of thing is happening too often. You're in a nation that has, I believe, much stricter gun control measures than here. At least where you are there isn't some "so called leader" that encourages violence and disrespect for law enforcement. Good luck and all the best to you.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. Fortunately we don't lose that many police officers in the line of duty although many suffer injuries and ill health. I believe we have lost ten in the last decade, but that is ten too many. When a police officer dies on duty over here, it has a huge impact.

Chris

[Dave]

I would imagine. No matter how many or where, its' a tragedy. My brother-in-law was a policeman, he's retired now. These men and woman devote themselves to protect and serve us and yet they are not given the respect they deserve, in too many instances.
Take care - Dave

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Sad story with a mind full of agony.
Life could be harsh and could even be biased in dealing with people but what I just see is that we are all in one time or the other caught up in an unexpected life dark side.
Only that we learned to move on.
This can't be changed, time can't be rewinded.
We just have to move on and hope for a better time.

Well written, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

So right Kay, there is nothing else to do but move through the darkness searching for the light. What is done, can't be undone. Painful that may be, but we have to move forward. Thank you so much for your review.

Chris

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

My pleasure... Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

It is nice Kay to see the real you looking back at me :)

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

Thank You, Chris.

[Anne’sRants]

Beautiful Christine. Life is always unfair. Unfair that someone else's choices can destroy your world. I love how frankly you approached this sad topic. "She murmured in the corridors of my mind". Favourite line

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Anne. I appreciate your thoughts and your very welcome visit.

Chris

[Jade]

I really enjoyed this write, even though it is sad. Nicely written

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jade. It is tragic, but we have to write about it along with the joy. Appreciate your visits.

Chris