Flashback

let the dead rest, but i can not

so blame it on a blackbird singing

melancholic choking on notes

sorrow sticks like a crumb in the throat

i bring you back selfishly

to quiet Sunday isolated living

before flipping us into the sixties

into our threadbare history

where we danced on wood flooring

parquet in the town Pavillion

newly varnished,sliding, spinning

till out of breath we collapsed

laughing out of control while ice

in our drinks melted with our hearts

for four seasons carrier of my dreams

until i squandered you thoughtlessly

i blew you away, puff you are gone

like parachute seeds on a dandelion head

there, there my love you must return

let me tuck you in your long cold coffin

sleep, sleep my love, age does not alter you

as it wearies me and hurts my thinking

Reviews

[Lorry]

Those time travels of the mind can be all too real as the pain opens old wounds, but they too bring back those precious moments of joy shared and lived to the fullest Chris.
I know from experience how much of a daft sod you tell yourself you are, as you find tears and smiles mingling at what they truly meant to you.
Hopefully the warmth from the smiles they brought you linger longer.

[Chris Shaw]

Often a bitter sweet experience Lorry. Can have you smiling one minute and in tears the next. This young man died at 26. Finishing with him wasn't my finest hour, but at least it was done before he was diagnosed with the disease that killed him. I also have some wonderful memories. Thank you.

Chris

[Andrew10]

I feel the main emotions in this poem are guilt and regret, though I think the present guilt of being selfish for bringing up the past is misplaced. The dead are past suffering, so any thoughts of doing wrong by them is self-defeating for no reason. The subjective memories are beautiful in imagery; I just wish they were more emotional, nostalgic, and the conclusion not as jaded. How did those dances make you feel? Was there a way they danced you remember? What of those 4 seasons? And what happened that you took them for granted and pushed them away? Things only get "threadbare" from lots of things happening to them. The only proper way to talk about death is to talk about the life that was. I know this must have been difficult for you to write about, and personal, but I feel you could go deeper; maybe not in detail, but just emotionally. I would love to hear more!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your review and suggestions Andrew. You are right about the feelings of guilt. I'm not sure I would want to go deeper than I already have though.

Chris

[Anushka joshi]

Great !! Ma'am .... This is very real ... As our old wounds unlock ... Same way they bring the sweet memories too ...

[Chris Shaw]

Your visit and thoughts are both welcome and appreciated Anushka. Thank you.

Chrisread moreYour visit and thoughts are both welcome and appreciated Anushka. Thank you.

Chris

[R.J Calzonetti (Siniste..]

This feels so lifelike to read, almost like the atmosphere of those beloved times with your partner were yesterday. I am 23, so I do not know what it was like then, but the sad way you bring life into this poem makes it almost clear. I've been reading Charles Bukowski. Your writing sounds like a kinder more elegant but similar tone to his.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sinister for your visit and your thoughts. I found it interesting that you thought the tone of my writing reminded you of Bukowski, albeit kinder and more elegant. That made me smile. All good wishes

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Love rests on us gently as a feather for a while and then it flys away in the wind. Leaving us with a wistful longing for the rest of our days. This is such a beautiful poem full of memories. There was summer, laughter, dancing and then there was a cold wooden coffin. It brought me tears.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ditzy, thank you for your encouraging and thoughtful response. You are so appreciated.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

You’re most welcome dear friend. Stay safe and smiling.

[Jon Roggie]

Memories are cruel, and cherished.
Laughs share the stage with tears.
All leading a poem so dear.

Not as good as above, but a touch of tribute.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jon. I enjoyed your little tribute. Good to see you again. Hope all is OK with you.

Chris

[Jon Roggie]

Hopes returned!

[Chris Shaw]

We all need hope my friend. May she linger longer.

[emmajoy]

Such a sadness.. i feel like plucking the thorns out of your skin, Chris. This isn't make-believe, surely this this is real, is true. How cruel the past can be and the memories it leaves behind. People say those feelings will fade but they don't, they slip deeper and take root. Dear Chris. Keep safe, love. please.

[Chris Shaw]

Long time ago. Strange how those memories resurface from the seabed when we least expect them. This memory of a former love is bitter sweet. Died far too soon. Thank you Em.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Time ago often leaves deeper scars. (Chris)

[AJNJ]

A poem deep in symbolism for me. Here, I could think both in terms of a longstanding love or the very death of love itself. Loneliness, regret and pain are so deeply felt in your words. Yet there are also fond recollections of past joy and happiness. There is guilt in resurrecting those memories, bringing him back, perhaps due to the emptiness of the isolated Sunday, before things normalise and we go back to the business of living.

The two final verses are extrememly touching. Filled with a world of pain. Of an irretrievable loss of a love and its consigning to dust. Of the pain and weariness of ageing. These lines make this poem so memorable and special.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pestonjee for another super review. You leave such wonderful reviews. They are every bit as good as your poetry. Yes, this poem is bitter sweet and it does raise the issue of guilt as well. A long time ago, but we never know when those memories are going to return to taunt and haunt us. And then there are the good memories too which uplift us.

Chris

[AJNJ]

Indeed my friend, memories work both ways, perhaps depending on the frame of mind at that point. read moreIndeed my friend, memories work both ways, perhaps depending on the frame of mind at that point.
When poetry is as engrossing and relatable as this, a reader’s responses just flow. I must thank you for raising the bar here always with great and versatile poetry. Keep sharing.

You’re very welcome and stay safe!

[Dave Brown]

awfully difficult to look back at times especially when things wont let go.
A passing is just too permanent with too many things left undone and unsaid
A very nicely written piece

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dave. I appreciate your thoughts on this poem. New picture? You look relaxed., happy and chilling out. Are you in your garden?

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Yes it is back yard garden enjoyment time and the weather has been especially co-operative this year.
Lotsa birds and bees and flowers and trees
Ain't life grand

[Robert Trakofler]

Chris this is one of my favorites from you no doubt those last chilling and then heartwarming lines were so very authentic in this expression It gave me goosebumps. I don't think love ever truly goes dear Chris sometimes we place it on the back shelf to ease the losses pain but it always conspicuous no matter where we place it it has a way of catching our eyes. Beautiful poetry dear Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Long time ago Bunny, but these are strange times and I find my dreams are weird and memories resurface unexpectedly. Bitter sweet, joyous and sad. A mix here. Pleased it is one of your favs of all my writes. Thank you.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Radiates tragedy.
For someone like you, Chris, this is very dark work.
It is also brilliant work!

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is very encouraging Jimmy and I thank you.

Chris