Cloud Break

(written on Tuesday, first day covid vaccinations administered in the UK)

white candles wax and wane on the

mantle while our room fills with 

perfumed scent of fragrant florals

breathe in jasmine memories of

summer's ache when fragile

confetti petals fell on patio paving

today of all days a sense of

optimism spreads, a much needed  

calm, a balm to soothe frayed edges

a flash of light where there has been

darkness, quiet reflections on the

loss of life and consequent sorrow

faces of elderly folk most at risk

appear on the screen waiting for first

doses of eagerly sought vaccine

eyes sparkle bright with hope that

soon normality will resume that

gloomy days are receding

before long they will venture forth

from home without fear, that loved

ones will be free to draw near

a superb day for science, a date

to remember as persistent blanket

grey starts onset breakaway

Reviews

[Lorry]

And as we wake from gloomy winter slumber, free to venture out once more, hopefully soon, we will know for the first time how the hibernating feel on awakening, as well as the institutionally incarcerated as their parole is granted and they blink at the unnerving brightness and feel a feeling not felt since the first day of school, fear and excitement holding equal sway and our heads exploding at the thought of what to do first.
Methinks the kids are in for one helluva shock though, as they are stopped in their tracks at all the oldies taking over their soft play areas and play parks, making "wheeee!" sounds and smiling like loons.
I CAN'T FLUMPIN' WAIT 😉

[Chris Shaw]

I can't wait either. There will be a revolution. The oldies taking over the streets and bars. Living it up to make up for lost time. A few months to go yet Lorry but I reckon the tide has turned and I am feeling less pessimistic. Thank you for stopping by.

Chris

[Broken.]

I'm pretty sure you have wonderfully captured everyone's case of pandemic fatigue. Sadly, although the vaccine is something that would be preventative and help many that are high risk, I still think we have a long way to go before we can completely safe like we were once again. In time, at least your spirits are looking up (: Amazing, as always.

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Broken, it's a reason to feel optimistic. We have a light at the end of the tunnel where there wasn't one before. We all have to be patient and keep safe. Thank you my friend.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

great title .. i love the word play with the wax and wane .. the scene setting so easy to see .. love that jasmine .... (i'm an old hippie in one life) :) the consonance .. the gentle way you transition from the scents floral and subtle sensuality to optimism over a horrible disease .. well done .. that hope rises with the reading .. a day to remember indeed... nicely done .. as always Christine .. peace sister!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Mr E. We have a long way to go, but now we have vaccines. Being an optimist I see it as the light at the end of a tunnel and that is better than no light at all. I feel sure next year will be better. Sending you all good wishes, you take care now.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

it's going to help...no doubt!

[Roland Petrov]

Let's not jump the needle yet; there are millions of sore arms to go. I do like the optimism in your poem; if there is a way out of this, it has indeed begun. I like the first two verses the most; after those, the poem could go in multiple directions, but it quickly becomes clear, of course, what direction you took. I suppose that one of the benefits of the pandemic is the poetry it has inspired (and, in my case, the restaurants I discovered for take out food).

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Roland. It's the light at the end of the tunnel. The very beginning of the end hopefully. I appreciate your visit. All the best.

Chris

[barleygirl]

Even tho your poem paints a glorious new-day tapestry with heart-touching details, it also blows me back into a tragic realization of what this world has been thru (is going thru). Here in the USA we're having the highest counts ever -- days when 30 - 40% of world deaths happen here -- like having Sept-11-level fatalities EVERY SINGLE DAY! -- and as you mention, most are old & alone. I applaud you for finding that soft spot & writing about the emerging hope/glory, becuz I'm still just reeling from the horror lately (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

PS -- SO HAPPY FOR THE UK, tho!

[Chris Shaw]

I know you guys have been having a really bad time with Covid. Us too, but we both have the vaccine. I see it as theight at the end of the tunnel. It gives us hope. Thanks Margie.

[Robert Trakofler]

This is wonderful Chris:) thank you for parting the clouds for me... deep down in my heart I feel joy for these people that have been caged for so long the very idea that they can be freed from constrain make me so happy! it is a day to remember sister poet:)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Bunny. Sure offers some hope for the future. Really appreciate your visit. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[.]

Yes the optimistic balm on our injured soul , to calm our mind and erase the fear. The arrival of much needed vaccine..... Hope everything will be normal soon. An optimistic piece.... Love and hugs

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sima, certainly the future is a little brighter. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, soon...
and as we age we all feel like "fragile confetti petals"
who can no longer put the pedal to the medal....
as we pray for that vaccine to come soon.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

The tide is turning and there is a more optimistic outlook for us oldies Jacob. Not long now. A few more months and covid will be put to bed. Thank you for checking this one out.

Chris