And So It Is

sun shines

regardless of 

grief

each one of us

a leaf waving

on a deciduous tree

not quite 

knowing when our

goodbye will arrive

fleeting

like a rain cloud

passing through

fragile

as a white winged

butterfly

though some

wield a sledge hammer

strike a mighty blow

can change

a river's flow

in waters of history

Reviews

[Eilis]

The last three stanzas of this, in particular, have quite stunning imagery. The movement created by the butterfly and then the shiver/switch of the hammer on water. There is no telling if the moment that shakes our universe will come in gently or ferociously. But it will come. I think you expressed that beautifully here, Chris.

The perpetuity of sun shining is one of those images that it is difficult to shake when we are hurting. I love the way you begin with that as your jumping off point for exploration and then feather out from there. The leaf waiting for its moment to let go is an apt symbol as well. Indeed each one falls independently, but they all fall.

I saw an oak tree yesterday with the brown leaves still attached. Those long hangers won't be shed until the new leaves push them out. In the meantime, they are jostled by the wind and clap on the high branches as if rejoicing in their own longevity and good fortune. Your poem just reminded me of that, and it seems to connect perfectly to your idea here.

I really enjoyed this poem, Chris.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Eilis, I so enjoyed reading your thoughts about my poem. It is always of such interest to find out where my readers wander. I appreciate you and the interest you show in my efforts. Your reviews are welcome and show such grace of spirit. Thank you.

Chris

[Eilis]

You are very welcome, Chris.

[T.S. Ulmus]

The first line really grabbed me here, it's not optimism despite of grief, it reads of the pain of seeing beauty when you feel sorrow. The fleetingness of existence has been a popular theme in my own work and I can see it mirrored here. This poem speaks to me.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

So pleased my words spoke to you. Your visit most appreciated.

Chris

[sette]

and indeed the painful throb of the heart speaks volume and this poem is lovingly written by someone who can clearly understand the pain a love is going through

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Sette, thank you for your lovely review. All good wishes from across the pond.

Chris

[Cassie]

This is painfully true and i enjoyed reading as usual

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Cassie. Good to have you here.

Chris

[Ana Papaya]

Words and actions, be they big or small, alter our paths.
Articulated so poetically here. Feels of a sad undertone.
But the sun always shines regardless, even when it's raining inside.
Beautiful poem, Chris

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Ana. I appreciate you giving this one an airing. All good wishes.

Chris

[Richard M]

Beautiful descriptions Chris and I love the 'each one waving on a deciduous tree.' Lovely writing!

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Richard for your lovely review. All good wishes.

Chris

[gram linski]

this was a great poem, Chris, the style gives it a minimalist approach but the sparse language give it depth and meaning, those of us hanging on by our leaf tails to the tree of life, not sure if that makes sense but did enjoy,

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed the read gram. Thanks for checking in.

Chris

[gram linski]

no worries, Chris, hope you are keeping well (isolated) and safe,

[Fabian G. Franklin]

" The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."
Jack London

I share that sentiment with Jack. But the intrepid are not, by nature, reckless or careless. But adventure must be tempered with reason. Like the old gunnery sergeant said, "There are old soldiers and there are bold soldiers. But there are no old, bold soldiers.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Many thanks Fabian. Your thoughts much appreciated.

Chris

[Moonie]

This poem makes me feel less burdened, and we all need that right now. I love the nature metaphors. The Sun keeps shining, even when it is cloudy, in the same way, there is always something to be thankful for even in the darkest moments.
Thank you for this poem ♡

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Pleased my lines made you feel less burdened Moon's fairest daughter. Thank you so much for the lovely review.

Chris

[Aidan MacKearson]

Absolutely beautiful! I love the syncopation, the strong rhythm that grabs you, and holds to beyond the end of the poem.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this poem. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[Diamond]

History most definitely has a real version and forged version. Enjoyed the nature's tinge across the writing. Beautifully done with brevity in lines.

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you Diamond, I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris