A Lament

(Torquay visit without my mum)

if i could reach the water's edge
i'd kneel with outstretched hands
for you to soothe once more the hurts
a mother only can

yet here i stand on land that's dry
atop this too steep cliff
to let the waves wash over me
that grief at time inflicts

so glints the sun on crest of surf
as rollers ride to shore
to spill upon a Torbay cove
my soul aches to its core

the ocean has the ash of you
and will do evermore

Reviews

[Ayvid N]

Ashes to ashes, dust unto dust, as they say, holds so true in this beautifully rendered poem on the grief over loss of a loved one. The ocean has her ashes and you have her love and her memories, forever and always. My warmest and most heartfelt wishes to you today for your healing journey, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks DIVYA, your warm wishes very gratefully received. Have a great day. 🌺

[Ayvid N]

You too my friend! The warmth you send my way is so fully reciprocated!

[Betty Hermelee]

Great and sad poem Chris. It shows that pain doesn't just run away so fast...it lingers and you long for someone to sooth you, to rid you of this dark mood. And who could be most compassionate but a mother, as we all know.It's the ocean that brings on more grief,so standing on a cliff is dry and more comforting.
Well written with your beautiful chosen words.
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

This sort of grief takes time Betty. It has to be worked at, and that isn't an easy thing to do. Many thanjs fir sharing your thoughts and for stopping by. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Grief always takes time and it's a heavy weight to carry....
Best, B

[Lydia Shutter]

The emotions in this one are honest and powerful, Chris. The loss of one's mother leaves a hole in the very soul of a child...no matter what the age. Indeed, the soul aches. No wonder you enjoy the sea and the shoreline. May memories continue to comfort you. Just beautiful poetry. Lydi***

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, thank you for your insights and your welcome visit. You are very much appreciated.
read moreDear Lydi**, thank you for your insights and your welcome visit. You are very much appreciated.

Chris

[Kim S.]

Love the emotions in this write, nicely expressed write.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks basic writer for your visit and your thoughts.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Grief has its own pace and cannot be rushed. Visiting places associated with those lost will naturally bring pain, but it is part of the healing process. If we have loved someone, we just can't let go all at once.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JTB for your understanding. I appreciate your visit. All the best.

Chris

[Luna]

I loved the emotions that you represented to show the untouchable ocean. Very strong emotions. I loved it.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Luna for your visit. I appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Neville]

it saddens me to think how sad you must have surely been to have poemed something so personally pertinent, so universally poignant & indeed, so beautiful .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Aye, it was sad indeed to go back there because it brought back a day in April when we scattered my mum's ashes into the sea as close to Thatcher's rock that we could get. Grief has to be worked at and mine has a long way to go. Thanks Neville.

[carl]

Very powerful work, longing for one more touch of healing love well expressed. Had to read the second verse a few times as it seemed at first to say the waves could reach the high cliff, but on closer reading saw the image more clearly. Thanks for the post. Peace to you.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit Carl and for sharing your thoughts. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

So full of pathos and the ache of missing. The feeling of wishing to have done more. All those grief feelings expressed in a few lines. Wonderfully done.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Winston. Your thoughts and visit are appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lorry]

This feel likes the polar opposite of the sense of being stared at Chris, the sense of being alone.
Sometimes it is a feeling we need, but not that day, or any since I am sure.

[Chris Shaw]

There are some days that are truly difficult. This was one of them Lorry. Thank you for your thoughts.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

A beautiful poem that ryhmes with an aching sorrow and musicality. One can easily feel the love that each line carries for its inspiration. It truly reminds me of the affection I have for my grandmother who passed a few years back. She is in all the love poems I have ever read, and will ever write. Thank you dear poet for sharing this melodic gem with us. CLE

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you always Carlos for your encouragement. You are appreciated.

Chris