Albatrosses and Heavyweights

(don't tell me you've never had any)

can you forgive

your own failures

and own those albatrosses

that hang round your neck

as a reminder of past  cringes?

can you look them

straight in the eye

without a trace of hesitation

without hiding behind

that furrowed brow

sending tramlines across

your forehead?

instead of running

in the opposite direction

can you remain rooted

can you accept responsibility

for the part you played?

can you embrace your faults

with arms open wide

casting aside all delays

square up to them 

shoulder to shoulder

stand tall?

instead of condemning others

old friends, lovers, family

anyone at all

for the small part they may

have played

can you willingly say

it's a new day

this is the way forward

hands on heart

a fresh beginning

accept you could have 

fared better, expose yourself

unclothe yourself to the eyes 

of others and ask for their

understanding

WELL CAN YOU?

Reviews

[Carlos L Estrada]

You have written my frailties in such an eloquent and revealing way. I identify with this poem on such a deep level it actually is self defining. Yet, everyday I find myself refusing to answer these questions because of old wounds they open. So I wear the albatross a little longer knowing in readying time it shall finally be removed. I have forgiven much in my life, including myself. But it is difficult to forget. Thank you, Chris, for these beautiful words.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughtful review is much appreciated Carlos. Thank you so much for checking in and sharing.read moreYour thoughtful review is much appreciated Carlos. Thank you so much for checking in and sharing.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

No dear Chris. Something must lay dead and forgotten.
accept you could have
fared better, expose yourself
unclothe yourself to the eyes
of others and ask for their
understanding
WELL CAN YOU?"
Many things men and women leave behind. War, death and deadly mistakes. Maybe we can seek forgiveness but some stories shouldn't be remembered. Hello dear friend and I enjoyed this poem. Made my old mind work this morning.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote, I smiled when you said I gave your mind a work out. Now go take a well earned rest:) Thank you my friend for stopping by.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

When we blame others for our mistakes it makes a stink on the soul that causes other to stay far away so they won't puke.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale for your thoughts and for checking in.

Chris

[Dreamer Sima]

This poem reminds me of a spiritual saying that ' you are the sole decider of everything... You can see a glass half full instead of half empty'. Saying this we have to admit and acknowledge our fault, only then we can progress further. Only throwing balls to others court can not solve the problem.... It's a nice reminder... Thank you for sharing this

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sima for sharing your thoughts. Your visits always valued dear poet.

Chris

[SheIsMe]

I think this is relatable to the majority of readers. Makes you think about all the burdens we carry every day weighing us into an early grave. Great write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

So, so many. Life would be so much easier if we could forget, easily forget all the hurts we've given to others. Taking responsibility can be very difficult. It's so easy to place blame on others, whether they deserve it or not. Not often, but often enough, I'm reminded of the pain I've given to others, even to those I love. I'm glad to say that those reminders are never pleasant.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for the share Dave. Your thoughts always appreciated.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Unless sainthood cloned, most people have quirks and failures.. tis human nature. In fact, tis accepted by people who know 'Stuff' that having faults and acknowledging them shows reasonable sanity! Elsewise is a sign of self-denial and extreme self indulgence!" This really is an enlightening piece of writing. Happy to say, I have so many failings, I make others feel almost saintly! Plus, thank the Lord - have sinners for friends and family who think the albatross is a magnificent creature!

[Chris Shaw]

Absolutely right Em most have faults and failures. I don't think there are many saints if any left. I always liked The Ancient Mariner and the tale of the albatross. Appreciate you stopping by. Have a good Thursday.

Chris

[emmajoy]

You're welcome, thanks, Chris.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I'm a firm believer in personal responsibility and owning both errors and accuracies with equal honesty. After all, if we do not admit our mistakes how can we ever hope to improve? But I also strive not to make errors. This is why proofreading and research are so important to me in writing. If someone points out an error I think they should be thanked for their honesty and applauded for their observational skills. This is why writers employ editors. But it isn't only in writing that these precepts should be followed. They extend to my personal philosophy governing my life. But I never "cringe" at my mistakes or cower from them. What purpose could that possibly serve? In my opinion we should strive to improve every day and accomplish as much through our work as we can, both as writers and as individuals. I have often made mistakes in parenting or dealt out an unfair judgement to my children. When my mistake was discovered though, I immediately called the child to me and apologized explaining my actions and why my actions were mistaken. I should hope that my children can learn from this application of honesty that none of us are perfect but that we should confess our faults and then move to correct them as quickly as possible. There's nothing worse than hiding a flaw once it is uncovered without taking responsibility and actions to correct it because if we don't, the mistakes will grow exponentially out of proportion with every effort to conceal them. This was quite the thought provoking piece and one that I could not help but to remark upon. Thank you for the read!

[Chris Shaw]

Fabian, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. So pleased that it got you thinking. You certainly responded in depth and I am more than thankful these lines generated much thought.

Chris

[Corset]

NEVER! lol, jk. One of THE hardest things for a person to do is to admit and ask for forgiveness, especially when they believe they are not at fault.

[Chris Shaw]

Corset, thanks for stopping by and making me smile. Good to see you. It's been a while.

read moreCorset, thanks for stopping by and making me smile. Good to see you. It's been a while.

Chris

[Corset]

life and building blocks keep getting in the way, it is nice to "see" you too!!

[Saga_of_dreams]

I needed to hear this. Such a lovely remainder.
Well, thank you Chris for this beautiful poem.

Regards,
S

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Saga for your thoughtful comment. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

it's not an easy thing, Chris ...but ... i will try. ;} .... taking an honest "look" is perhaps the hardest thing to do .. we suffer shame, guilt, false pride ... we can be terrified; unable to stand tall believing we have done something so unthinkable .. we simply can not face it ... but as your poem enlightens .. we must .. own it .. seek the forgiveness we need .. from ourselves, others and our Great Creator .. He made us for far more than we can ever imagine for ourselves eh!? beautiful and inspiring read for me .. the title doesn't roll off the tongue easily does it?! .. my impression was of graceful flight and some of the greatest heavyweight fighters of my generation ... so your metaphor surprised me ... really appreciate the depth of this one, Chris .. "...past cringes.." and "...tramlines across your forehead" ... and use of free rhyming here and there made this a very worthwhile read for me ma'am.
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E, thank you so much for giving this poem your consideration. Each one of us is responsible for our own actions and each one of us needs to reflect and consider ourselves from time to time. Sadly there are some who haven't got the stomach to do that. They don't consider their behaviour or the way they conduct themselves can possibly deserve to come under the spotlight. All of us have an albatross or two to reflect on and consider. Yes the title isn't one of light flight is it? You know I am very fond of Fleetwood mac and their song Albatross. Now that really is a super soothing flight over the briny. Always get lovely imagery in my head when I listen to it. So pleased you stopped by and pleased you thought it worthwhile. Look after yourself. Warm wishes from across the pond.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

your a corker darlin' :)