Petals

(Work recovered from a former poetry website) Remembering our war dead.

Poppies lean towards a stream

where silver ripples gleam in sun.

A cool wind shakes their flimsy skirts

into the waters one by one.

Red sail boats launch into the deep,

"We do not sleep, we do not sleep",

I hear the sound of poignant notes

as little boats are homeward bound.

Reviews

[lightsong]

OMG! You are truly the best!! and thanks for the site for showing it on the right side so I can come and read this another gem! gorgeous, haunting and poignant dear Chirs, petals floating like gentle souls longing peace, longing home... "We do not sleep, we do not sleep" THIS will stick in my head and heart for a while.... ... ....

[Chris Shaw]

Dear lightsong, thank you so much for giving this old poem an airing. I am a firm believer in remembering those who made such a personal sacrifice in order that I have freedom today. Many had no choice, I can't forget that.

Chris

[lightsong]

I hear You dear Chris, and You absolutely gave them justice in this one.

[Chris Shaw]

That really pleases me. Thank you.:)

[Tate Morgan]

Quietly I read this. It is akin to a great painting . OF YOUR works I think it the best Ive seen.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for that very encouraging review Tate. Hope all is good with you. I appreciate your visit. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

you are welcome Chris. My pleasure

[Robert Trakofler]

these lines make my heart melt dear Chris I am listening to harp music by Mary Lattimore and these words melted so beautifully into the music I could see the petals motioning down the stream to return to their homes:) wow this is beautiful

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Bunny, I love harp music. Thank you so much for this lovely review. Yes, I tried to maje those petals really stand out. Thank you so much and take good care.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Poppies and war dead share an old history.
Ever homeward bound are those who sleep best in familiar ground.
Lovely and stirring, Daughter of Hard-won Freedom.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Daughter of Hard-won freedom, how I love that. All good wishes.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Poppies with flimsy skirts...memories with even flimsier ones...
the flowers blow away in the wind...and war still accomplished nothing....
just a dead field irrigated with blood.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. How right you are, war accomplishes nothing.

Chris

[iliOZ]

we lived next to a mountain creek for a long while and i taught my daughters to make tiny boats (paper and leaves mostly) and let them sail to grandmas and grandpas, living thousands of miles away, to send them a message of love
i am certain that at one point they realized that the message will never reach them, yet they kept sending the little boats homeward

i wish we all could keep our beliefs and innocence intact of all in what we call life...

i am sorry for the personal edge in my review, but you did it and i thank you for it.

[Chris Shaw]

No need to apologise at all. I am delighted you could relate to my words and your memory of your daughters and their little paper boats is delightful. I can understand how precious that memory is for you. All good wishes and many thanks for your encouragement.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

two very appropriate writes in the hopes we actually do remember

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave. We must never forget the sacrifices made by others for our freedom. All good wishes.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Another poem of remembrance that brings the poppy back to mind and once again suggests we do not forget the error of going to war!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. I came across some old poems I haven't been able to access for a while. Thank you for checking this one out. That time of year when we start to think more closely about sacrifices some have made for our freedom. Have a good Saturday.

Chris