Calls A Graveyard

far away in southern Devon

as the crow flies to the sea

where white crested waves are rolling

where green hills are rising gently

where thick red clay cakes the wet boot

in a graveyard lies my father

with a wish to speak to me

"close your eyes your heart will guide you

do not pine for long lost loved ones

do not wish me back to find you

with your grey eyes sadly misted

in a world i don't remember

nurture all who struggle daily

in your living family

stand beside your little sister

as you did when you were children

when her tears spilled out in sorrow

when her knees were grazed and bleeding

take her hand and lead her forward

through her darkest days of grieving

serving her, you do so me"

Reviews

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, this is, you've heard it before, such a heartfelt write. This is a poem that so easily moves the reader. An emotional write that stirs the emotions in the reader's heart. My mum and dad are both gone now and I miss them every day. They are still with me. Your wonderful poem touched me. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mike, I appreciate your thoughful review. Many thank yous for stopping by.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

You are always welcome, Chris. Have a wonderful evening. Hugs....Mike.

[John the Baptist]

This one is about grief, but also about renewal. There is still pain about the passing of the father, who may have been taken before his time, but also the realization that the land of the living is the most important thing now. The dead are past pain; it is those who survive them who are the true reality.

[Chris Shaw]

Your understanding of this poem was spot on John. Many thanks for checking in.

Chris

[DIVYA]

Our parents never stop praying for us and looking out for us, even from the beyond. This poem reminds me of the wonderful blessing that are parents. In grief, your father touched you and you can so feel his loving presence. I am touched to the core, remembering my own father too. Such a beautiful description of the graveyard too. The darkness of the present days shall eventually wane and the comfort of your father's presence will remain always.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. Thirty years gone and still I sense his presence. He usually visits when the going gets tough. Such a thoughtful reviewer you are and much appreciated.

Chris

[Pete]

touching words. perhaps those voices from beyond mean that we have been taught well. words echoing living bread. wonderful tribute. so much tied up in these kind thoughts ... :

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate your visit Pete and your thoughts on Calls A Graveyard. My Dad has been gone thirty years, but I still feel his presence. Thanking you for your review.

Chris

[.]

Oh so beautiful.... Like a song, a prayer those precious words.... The guiding angel as was your father and those comments like a sermon.... This is a beautiful piece of art
.

[Chris Shaw]

Your lovely review is most welcome Sima. Thank you so much for checking in.

Chris

[.]

I am leaving today....wanted to have a longer innings but may be fate had other plans....though disappointed but still feeling satisfied for having you as my friend...I am going to miss you from now onwards...please keep safe and keep writing my friend....lots of love ♥️♥️

[Chris Shaw]

Oh, dear friend. I am sorry to lose you. I will miss you greatly but I wish you happiness, good health and fortune wherever you go. I hope you continue with your writing. Sending lots of love across the pond xxx

[jacob erin-cilberto]

like in the bible when Jesus said "you did this for your neighbor; therefore you did this for me.
You are a caregiver...and your poetry if put in a room and hung from the walls would feel like looking at a gallery of paintings.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Jacob, thank you so much for that wonderful compliment. You have a very generous heart.

Chris

[AJNJ]

A great poem on family solidarity, Ms. Chris. So surreal the feel of your father speaking to you from beyond. Your sister needs you and your father is also near you both in spirit. Take care.
This poem will stay with me.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous AJ for your review. Really appreciate your kind words and your visit. Be safe and well.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Beautiful words Chris.

"close your eyes your heart will guide you"
and wonderful, loving advice, from the grave....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. I was in thought flight this morning, wishing I could visit my Dad's grave, when this came out loud and clear. Strange how the muse works. My sis certainly needs support at the moment.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Bless her, she must be feeling very lost in her grief.
Strange how inner tuition works and we know when somone who is no longer her sort of pushes us in the right direction.Their energy still communicates.

[Chris Shaw]

It is difficult to comfort someone on the phone. She lives a couple of miles down the road but is in self isolation. No one can visit because of covid. It is cruel. Yes, my Dad's energy still comes through :))

[Stella Armour]

Poor woman, my heart goes out to her... x

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella x