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

[alanwgraham]

This is lovely Chris and so true. These memories of what if's can linger a lifetime even if they would not have survive the cold light of reason, but what's reason got to do with it? Your words are spare but perfectly chosen. Verse two prob my fav but hard to choose.
Take care. We are luck to enjoy exploring our beautiful Scottish countryside in the happy knowledge that the big B is far off.
Alan
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Alan. You never know when these bits of nostalgia are going to rise up from the seabed do you? Often bitter sweet. Enjoy exploring your countryside, you live in a very beautiful part of the world. All good wishes

Chris

[LJ]

Very nice work. My favorite part involves the blackbird singing and the description of a person being "blown off" like "parachute seeds." The poem listens to that blackbird, a memory of other times, "melancholic" yet also a happy thing.
The dance is told in such detail I think it brings the reader in to dance with the two of you. I also very much like the line: "...in our drinks ice melted with our hearts." You have a way of framing simple statements in new ways, and they carry a lot of weight.
Then, a "squandering." I think most people feel the pain there, as they may feel their own. Yet you give your former dance partner a rest, a sleep that eludes you. That's kind, and a good way to go on and say what you feel in present time. Hurt.
But I like that you have those sixties memories and more. I like that you visit them and write about them. And that you share them here. You touch many hearts that way. Thank you.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear LJ your visit and thoughtful review are very much appreciated. Pleased to meet you. I am really pleased that you like my work. That means much to me. Sending you all good wishes as well as gratitude.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Lovely poem of remembrance, using flowing words, vivid images to describe: The dancing, laughing, etc. A lonely aging person , remembers her love on a Sunday morning, who is now cold in his coffin. Very well written Chris, I love it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit and your thoughts here Betty on a piece of romantic nostalgia which was sadly cut short. You are appreciated dear Betty.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

my pleasure!

[Anand Sehgal]

Wonderful use of language and imagery. I loved it very dearly. Great emotive work.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Anand, I thank you sincerely for your visit and your thoughts on my work. It is very much appreciated.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Mourning need not be sad. One might mourn remembering the fondest times of warmth and beauty. I enjoyed reading this.

[Chris Shaw]

Bitter sweet. Laughter and tears at the same time. Thank you Fabian for your valued thoughts. Your visits akwats appreciated.

Chris

[Unspoken poet]

WOW!! This is deep and so full of emotion.

i blew you away, puff you are gone
like parachute seeds on a dandelion head

These lines here were my favorite part. This is wonderful and so
full of emotion. Nicely written Chris.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I found the same lines Kay pointed out scintillating...
This is like a celebration of a life, rather than a sorrowful mourning.
and those sixties with the dancing shoes...crazy fun....
I also like "let me tuck you in your long cool coffin"---
this poem makes me smile, but shiver at the same time.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Kat T and Jacob, I thank you both for your thoughts. Bitter sweet memories for me. Laughter and tears. A few years after I finished our relationship (which was not my finest hour) he died aged 26 from a disease that wasn't diagnosed when I was with him. He will never grow old in my thoughts.