Ad Infinitum

(a love poem)

ours is not the sorrow of a sad

decaying rose whose tomorrows

are lost in stubborn shadow

we are not those tinctured petals

parted from a scented heart that

litters crazy paving on garden paths

we are the last of love's blooms

attached to green sepals capturing

evening's sunlight before it falls

trellised to an old stone wall

we may be past our prime though

you are you and always you are mine

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

i just read Pryde's poem "Shift to Blue" ..and then here for another lesson in flowers .. i love it .. the tone in this is rich with the aging ... love that old stone wall .. and your poems anthem ... we may have some years behind us but our love is love more solidly built than petals that are first to fade and fall... i find that closing line warm and comforting .. thanks for sharing these places in the hearts and minds of couples who have weathered some storms only to become better .. more selfless .. and enriched ..
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing and understanding my poem. Old stones walls stand regardless the battering the weather gives them. Pleased you enjoyed the read, and always good to get a valued visit from you my friend in poetry.

Chris

[littlekinglord]

I really loved this poem it puts the thoughts and feelings into a whole new perspective. I really like how you said, we are the last of love's blooms,attached to green sepals capturing,evening's sunlight before it falls it made me feel it in my soul.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you young man for such a thoughtful and lovely review. Pleased to see you on my page.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

In many ways, we can be past our Prime; however,
I find that I have just begun to come full Circle...
and still learning many things about life and others, as well as myself.
truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Pat. With age comes wisdom. We never stop learning. Kindest regards from across the pond.

Chris

[Savanna Robbins]

Love this! Especially the metaphorical use of flower petals

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your support. Much appreciated Savanna.

Chris

[barleygirl]

This is enchanting & romantic, a motif I don't often go for, but the way you do it is so intelligent, original & convincing. I'm taken in by this, trying to imagine what it might've been like to experience a longterm steady comfortable relationship (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Margie, you should know me by now :) And you do. I do not do sloppy love poems. It just ain't ME. I prefer to find another way of saying it. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Rick Puetter]

Beautiful sentiment and words. A lovely write. Yes, we age, and our youth falls like rose petals to the floor. But as long as we maintain our mental senses, somethings do not age. Somethings survive to the very end.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Rick for checking in and leaving such an encouraging review. Pleased you enjoyed the sentiment expressed.

Chris

[Rick Puetter]

I read you poem again last night and enjoyed it again, perhaps even more than before. But let me offer a more melancholy work about how we age. I believe you are considerably younger than me, and more melancholy thoughts seep in as you and loved one age and face health and life/death challenges. I've had lots in my life and almost lost my dear wife half a dozen times when she was going through an extremely hard spot in her life. She is fine, now, and in fact I am having some challenges now and she is doing better than me. But I cannot complain too much. My life has been nearly picture perfect so far. I married my high school sweetheart. I've delved in professional science, building some of the world's premier instruments for the world's largest telescopes. I had several companies and developed analysis methods for multiple satellites, image processors for US submarines, electron microscopes, missile defense, medical imaging. What more can I ask for. I am happy. But I am sad, too. It comes to an end. There have been huge medical challenges. I've had two major spinal surgeries. My wife had had six major intestinal surgeries. Yet, we're alive. Not quite yet time to kick us into the gutter. Anyway, by a long shot life has been good. But as a counterpoint I might recommend https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/rpuetter/946067/.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Rick. Thank you so much for coming back a second time. That really is appreciated and for leaving me such an interesting response. Fascinating to hear how your life has panned out, and marrying your childhood sweetheart as well. You certainly have lived and had many challenges too. I count my blessings, have had life saving surgeries too, and am probably older than you think :) Thank you for the link. I will take a look this evening when I have more time. All the best.

Chris

[Vertigo Cat1111]

Absolutely gorgeous! You've written something absolutely so beautiful, and each word you use makes the heart feel so warm. The love here is truly so palpable and even the title is eye-catching! The words used here are not only unique and gorgeous, but it creates the most amazing imagery. Lightsong is correct, your writing is only getting better and better.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Colacat, I couldn't have asked for a more encouraging review. Thank you so much. Really delighted you enjoyed this poem. All the best always.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You have such a beautiful way of commenting on aging, ( as we all are); but the way you phrase with your flower images is just perfect. Yes we may age but our love for one another remains forever, pat our prime.
Love doesn’t age, we do. I really like the flow of this poem and your spectacular images to show us the meaning of aging.
Great! My best always, B

[Chris Shaw]

Always thankful for your kindness and encouragement Betty. Your visits so welcome. All good things dear poet.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You are just too sweet! But I appreciate it!😊

[Anthony Phillips Schepi..]

I enjoyed this poem, Chris. As a rose grower and lover, more so as a person who has been in love for many years. It reminded us that our love is more than the flash, color, and brilliance of the pedals. It is the heart that is more significant, keeping it alive. As we mature together, we hold on to the stone wall. Love is solid as a rock. Thank you for sharing this poem, and looking forward to reading more of your work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Anthony for a first visit and for sharing your thoughts. I love your understanding of my poem. Your visit most welcome. All good wishes

Chris

[emmajoy]

Words like yours are the truth of might be. Not the tried and trying but the tried and still going. Beautiful sentiments, Chris and that final line is.. magical. Reminds me of two people i loved so very much, Margaret and Fred..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Em. Enduring love, through thick and thin, through good and bad, that doesn't fall at the first hurdle :) Hope all is good in yourcwirkd and that Margaret and Fred wherever they are are still in each others reach.

[Chris Shaw]

Please excuse the typos.

[emmajoy]

No matter spelling, Chris, these days it's the contact that matters. And what you say: so very true. Is beautiful - even on an over weatherly morning! Keep safe.

[Chris Shaw]

You too. It's blowing a gale up in these parts. Have a great day :)

[emmajoy]

Dogs are sitting at the garden door, their personalities really are theatrical; contemplating a poem!