Famous Last Words

(there is more than an element of truth in these words)

darling can you remember
can you remember when
you couldn't make the effort
all those years ago

when I found myself
in the delivery room prematurely
while you preferred pissing
it up with your friends

can you recall the shock when
at eight o'clock the following day
you found out you were a father
rather embarrassing eh

and I don't suppose for one
moment you noticed the look
of dismay on my face
when you did arrive

to gift me with those famous words
not how are you my dearest love
but a necklace of turds in my opinion
after all the pain I had gone through

puking up alone, frightened,
unsupported you asked me why
yes you asked me why I hadn't
birthed you a son and from that
very second my dear I knew we were
finished, we were undone

Reviews

[Lorry]

A necklace of turds??? &?
You certainly reminded me not to scorn a woman. 😀
Do girls get some secret class boys don't know about, where they learn how to win every argument and are given an encyclopedia of putdowns, or does it just come naturally? 😀
Made me think of my own Mums simmering eyes, where lips were superglued until further notice and the ensuing silence showed him the error of his ways.
I always remember that lesson as silence being golden... But don't ya just know it, I ended up growing up and becoming one of THEM, a man 😀
You knew you were finished suggests he was too drunk to notice the alarm bells and klaxons of silence that was deafening to everyone else.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lorry. No secret classes, just experience. Women have had to learn the hard way, and that is why they can be so good at those scorching put downs like your mum was good at. Drink can also play a sorry part as well. Oh Lorry, not all geezers are tarred with the same brush before you have me down as a man hater :)) Needless to say this relationship didn't survive :)

Chris

[Lorry]

Na Chris, but would be perfectly understandable if you were.
Personally, it's a mystery how women put up with us, but thanks on behalf of mankind.
I don't even attempt arguing any more, I just sigh and say "I'll get my coat."
I am fluent in that look. 😀

[AJNJ]

And I thought these prejudices existed only in the land I hail from! What a powerful message in this strongly worded poem. You pack such a punch here at end here. Yet such moments make you stronger and more independent. This is one ending that calls for a celebration!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you AJNJ for sharing your thoughts. Appreciate your visit. All good things.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I am reading a book about mountaineers who don't bother to travel home when their children are born. I'm amazed women put up with it. Yesterday I set a male poet straight who described a father's role as "bringing a child into this world" -- I told him many women would disagree with that. As a woman, I can see that childbirth (and motherhood, for that matter) is way too daunting for me to try. You make us feel it, big time, how some think very little of this stunning act of sacrifice on the part of mothers (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Firm believer Margie that the father of the child should be there to see his child enter our world and to support that child's mother through her labour. Doesn:t sound much of a hardship to me. Would like to see some of them swop places :) Thank you for checking this one out.

Chris

[h d e rushin]

there are different words men use to describe expectancy. It is how language can shield the bravest of them from beauty. When my daughter was born i wouldn't look. It was mostly that scene from "The Alien" when a slimy, bloody things come's crashing fourth screaming. It was horrible. Then it was done. This is a wonderful way to put truth down our throats......dana

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Dana for sharing and your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Gaurav]

Its an interesting and strong mix of poetry and story and both has been depicted beautifully and tragically...sometimes humans tend to see themselves one of creators..and this brings ego and lie...it then turns up into something more than toxic..your poem is a gentle reminder to love

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gaurav, I appreciate your thoughts on this piece and your visit. Have a very happy Sunday.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

This was written with a light touch but--if true--it chronicles unforgivably brutish behavior.
Which, of course, you, apparently, did not forgive.
Hell, as a young married, even I behaved better than that!--and I was no month in the country.
An unsettling read, Chris; a funny, unsettling read.

[Chris Shaw]

Easier to look at it from a distance Jimmy. Much easier. Maturity makes a difference too. Thank you for checking this one out.

Chris

[kitty]

I can easily relate to this one with my second daughter! Everything about it rings true! Took me back years that did. Thanks

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry dear kitty that you had to rate to these words too. I am pleased for your visit though and wish you all good things.

Chris

[kitty]

Not at all sad about this as it was a learning curve in my life Stay inspired! Stay safe

[Chris Shaw]

We do learn through our mistakes dear kitty :)

[kitty]

Life is truly a learning curve...Still learning and riding the waves!

[Ted Kniffen]

Ignorance knows no bounds, but he must of been pushing the limits. Hard to believe there is that much selfishness in one's soul.
Good riddance.

[Chris Shaw]

Selfish unfortunately. It was all about him. Thank you Ted.

Chris

[Relic]

Was it King Arthur who had the same feelings? I guess his real reason for being there wasn't for love after all but selfishness. Not a good guy.

[Chris Shaw]

Selfishness, not a good quality. Thank you Tim for calling on another piece of history.

read moreSelfishness, not a good quality. Thank you Tim for calling on another piece of history.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

that is unbelievable
one of the most wonderful moments in life being treated so disgracefully
It is no wonder things fell apart as they rightly show have done
Years ago now but a hell of a memory

[Chris Shaw]

A sad piece of history Dave, now done and dusted. Thank you.

Chris

[adornoscousin]

This is a painful poem. But it spoke to me. I am not a woman and cannot feel this pain first hand but you conveyed it well. There is a scorn and cynicism to it. Perhaps the turds were the usual bullshit that many men give women? The running theme of gift is important as well- he gifted you with a bunch of crap- except of course for the baby which he was not interested in anyway. Great poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your insights here. I would say you were spot on. Pleased to have you visit this piece of history.

Chris