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.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"each one of us
a leaf waving
on a deciduous tree" Yes.
Absolutely beautiful poem dear Chris-and so is your new gorgeous photo! Your graceful, evocative language, flow, similes, and imagery of nature are delicate, compelling and powerful in scope. Fragility and force juxtaposed..just as they are in life. We survive and learn from watershed moments as they confront us. And we pray for the strength to navigate through the waters. Excellent write!

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Dear Annette, thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for your valued visit. The new avatar is a pic my granddaughter took while we were walking in a bluebell wood during lockdown in May last year. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[Mauricio Montoya]

this make me think of life and i love how it start out and how it ends " no mater how we see the light, feel the pain or take the rain, it is what it is in the end. thank you for sharing..

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Many thanks Mauricio for your visit and your thoughtful review.

Chris

[Silmara McGarry]

So wonderfully described and such an enjoyable imaginary read.
I love it :-)

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you so much Silmara for your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Chris. I do agree.
"each one of us
a leaf waving
on a deciduous tree"
The above lines. Wonderful and true. I like to say. We must be like the Willow tree. Flow and accept the touch of the wind. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Thank you dear Coyote for checking in and sharing your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris and you are welcome.

[Dreamer Sima]

Fleeting, fragile life... You described it in such a beautiful way. I always find this kind of poetry more attractive!. Like a leaf we are dwindling in the life's journey, and don't know really when a blow of wind can take us away with it... It's so sad, poignant yet true to life writing...

[Christine Anne Shaw]

Dear Sima, thank you for leaving me the kindest if reviews. Sending love.

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