Out of Dust and Memories

(sorting out my aunt's home before selling)

frugality leaves a deep imprint

a lifetime impacted by ration books

with wartime evacuations

there are no excesses of living here

no shelves of reading to thumb 

through with an avid interest

no artwork on blue rose wallpaper

nor hidden jewels tucked away

in locked mahogany drawers

a noticed absence of photographs

apart from four framed and hanging

lifeless on a floral background

my paternal grandparents in

monochrome my great grandparents

in solemn splendour face me

stiff in their high starch collars

bringing a tear to a saddened eye

watered by ancestral heart strings

unexpected treasure found

case bound Chaucer's Canterbury tales

gold lettering bold on olive green

buried at the rear of a musty

wardrobe an award gifted to Albert

as a ten year old

for studies in English literature

the same Albert who recited

Tennyson to me in tender years

where i learned off by heart stanzas

from the Lady of Shalott igniting

my love for poetry

Reviews

[CD Campbell]

It seemed like the everything was lifeless and cold upon first observation, you painted a sullen, yet grand picture and used that to build tension to the very end. The end was the seed that became part of what you are now. That is craftsmanship. Enjoyed this immensely. CD

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for a great t review CD. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[Ranger Kessel]

Youre welcome

[Mauricio Montoya]

It is a good read to remember what we forget at heart.

[Gee]

We can thank Albert for your writing then Christine, good man.
This reads like sorting through mums belongings after her passing, a few memories, photos, nowt of any value but her life summed up in the lack of jewellery, finery, everything brought was only ever needed, and no TICK !
Really enjoyed this , you have your muse back :)

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Gee. Not so sure the muse is back. Just a fleeting visit I think. Clearing out my aunt's flat. Has to be sold to fund her nursing home care. Yes I found that book awarded to my Grandad in 1914. It was him who inspired my love of poetry. Plenty of sorting at the moment. Both mum and aunt. Have a good weekend Gee and thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

Quite sad, but many of us witness such scenes at some time in our lives, and when dealing with such things that are left (precious to the deceased former owner, perhaps, but now mostly unwanted by all) we are left wondering what to do. We contemplate our own future demise as we get older, and wonder what will become of our own treasured items. A poignant write!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Robert for sharing your thoughts. Yes, it is sad going through someone's possessions. There is very little of my aunt's that will be kept, but I found some treasure when I found a bit of my Grandad. Not that is precious. That book is treasure to me. Appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

Anything that means something to someone is a treasure to that person. Glad you found that book.

[lightsong]

I was reading this with deep emotions but when I reached the verse with your (Albert) tears fell down. very moving, one can't read this without being tugged in their hearts. I can't help but to wonder about me too, my room (my room is my kingdom), my special treasures, my precious poetry... what will become of all of it? my eyes are still misted. Bless your lovely and gentle heart dear Chris ❤️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you lightsong. It is sad having to sort out a relative's possessions. My aunt has led the life of a recluse. Finding that book that once belonged to my beloved Grandfather was priceless. Made all the hard work worth while. As for my stuff, you know I've not really thought much about it. I guess my three grandchildren will be left with that task. Hopefully they will keep my poetry even if they throw everything else out :) You know, your visits are so appreciated. Look after you.

Chris