On the Scent of Pine

imagine
if all the souls
of our long departed
lit up the pine forest
at night like fireflies
in love

chasing
winking and blinking
beckoning us to their party
having a ball
while we

in wide eyed wonder
in silence and gratitude
watch in awe
a taste of timeless
of heaven’s potential
on the scent of
lasting pine

Reviews

[E.P. Robles]

In this captivating scene, a pine forest comes alive at night as departed souls illuminate it, resembling ethereal fireflies. The playful souls beckon us to join their celestial gathering, exuding joy and embracing newfound freedom. As humble observers, we stand in awe, aware that we are witnessing something beyond ordinary existence. This remarkable display offers a glimpse into the timeless and limitless potential of the heavens. The lasting pine scent grounds us in the sensory experience and symbolizes the enduring connection between souls. This vivid portrayal blurs the boundaries between life and the afterlife, inspiring reflection on the beauty, unity, and transcendence within the mysteries of existence.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you fur capturing the magical under the scent of forest pine. Yes, let’s imagine ……..

Chris

[DIVYA]

I have never seen a pine forest and I think it must be very beautiful to behold in itself. If it was festooned with fireflies with such a surreal, otherworldly glow, the beautify would intensify so immeasurably. To me the thought signifies the beauty of your mind and your love for those most precious to you who now live in the world of heaven.
What a rapturous moment that would be, if we found them in that pine forest. All our grief would vanish forever and we'd know beyond doubt of life eternal with them. It would complete everything and we would never fear, grieve or weaken. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful poem, dear friend Chris. Reading you today just uplifted me and my day.

[Chris Shaw]

It really pleased me to think that something I have written can uplift. Thank you for a most poetic and beautiful review DIVYA.

Chris

[DIVYA]

It is my pleasure always to read and review your beautiful poetry, dear Chris.

[Laz K.]

To me, this poem is a reminder that nature is filled with some invisible presence, and also that perhaps there's no real separation between the living and the souls of those that already departed. A very sensitive and delicate write!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Laz thank you for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. They were most welcome.
read moreDear Laz thank you for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. They were most welcome.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

I am imagining it. Although I don't really have to living here. I love the structure and message of this poem.
It fits the layered subject so well.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ken so much. You have your own special brand of beauty up there in the highlands. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Have a good Saturday.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Ahhh, the luscious scent of pine...seems we all love it... Your poem is wonderful with delightful thoughts that fill me with so many memories.
As a child at camp in the forest running through the pines.
Isn't it wonderful that a poem can bring back so many memories in so many readers.
Loved it...
Lisa, really cold in Spain

[Chris Shaw]

Lisa thank you for your share. Pleased this little poem transported you in time and gave you happy memories. It is still cold here too. Be sure to keep warm.

Chris

[Lisasview]

We have been here 2 1/2 year and this is definetly th coldest it had been so far.
But today I was out when the sun showed its face to check on the iris and basil..
I also made veggie burgers for dinner.. we will see how they turn out. And, I will make cauliflower mash potatoes with garlic and butter... have you ever had this?? It is fabulous.
Lisa, working on my new poem

[Chris Shaw]

Cauliflower and mash potatoes with garlic and butter sounds delicious. I will have to try it. Enjoy your veggie burgers. I have just made a huge pot of carrot and coriander soup. We will have it later with crusty bread and a splash of cream. No sun today. In winter, it is so uplifting Lisa.

[Lisasview]

Actually, here is how you do it Chris, Steam or boil the cauliflower, just like you would potatoes... Then only use the cauliflower, garlic and butter in a mixer...(In the states we Cuisanart..here we have a Magi mixer...You will think you are eating mash potatoes...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. I will let you know when I have tried it Lisa. Enjoy the rest of the day 🌸

[Lisasview]

You are most welcome..I think you will love it..

[andrew mitchell]

Nice imagery Chris. I think sandlewood incense would be nice I've been lucky to see these insects that light up at night in Nepal.

[Chris Shaw]

How lovely that you got a chance to see them in Nepal. One for my bucket list. Sandlewood is also a wonderful fragrance. Thank you so much for your visit Andrew.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Imagine-
Seems a fitting introduction from a Brit.
It isn’t hard to do.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for the nod to Lennon and those other fab three. I was lucky to be young when they were at their best. An inspiration to so many. Thank you Winston.

Chris

[red93]

Beautiful thoughts Chris beautifully expressed - what a talent you are. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Tony, you are spoiling me with this lovely review. Thank you so much and may your Saturday be a good one in every way.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... the scent of Pine... the essence of a Life well spent.
All the endearments shared as twinkling Stars watch Comets fly
across the Sky.... falling on Meadows of sleeping blossoms and
Violets of Remembrance. We are blessed... as the Seasons pass .
gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat your lovely review is a gift itself. A poem in a response. Many thank yous for your beautiful mind. Have a wonderful day.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Lol… I seem to pen better Reviews than poems these days.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

The cedars here smell rich in Spring. And the long leaf pines bleed thick resin that turns from clear to black on a young boy's hand. My mother used to make me clean it off with baby oil or Vaseline. But I always adored the scent.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Fabian. Thank you for that lovely share, remembering your own mother who you have spoken of often with such affection and love. I so appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

At my family home when I was a kid we had two huge white pines in our front yard. Their trunks were about the circumference of a refrigerator at the base. And they sat, one at each wing of our house. Their huge roots were the devil to mow around but luckily not much grass grew under them. They remained there until my father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1983. He had them cut down because he knew he was dying. When I was 8 years old I was riding on the handlebars of my brother's bike and my foot accidentally got caught in the front spokes. It threw me onto the pavement and cut two of my toes almost completely off and broke my foot. All that summer and part of the next school year I spent with my foot wrapped (they couldn't put it in a cast because of the toes.) But we had a metal "glider" (sort of an outdoor couch-like swing) that I spent most of that time in underneath those huge pines recovering. I watched the ants march up and down the trees and the birds that came to visit in their branches. I started the third grade on crutches. But I still recall vividly their smell and the sound of the wind blowing through them. So your poem brought all those memories flooding back to me. Purely, my pleasure.

[Chris Shaw]

You know I am absolutely thrilled that my simple little poem about the scent of pine can evoke such wonderful memories. Moreso I was thrilled that you shared them here. Really nice to hear Fabian. What a pity the pines were felled .

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Yeah, dad didn't want any limbs to fall on the house in winter and leave mom with the expense of repairing the roof. He would have repaired it himself if it had happened before and, in fact, had. A limb froze and fell one year on my brother's 280Z and left a big dent and broke off his antenna. He was livid!

[Davidgeo]

Teleology is a sport you should look up.

I mean that as a compliment. And an insult.

[Davidgeo]

It's a strange sport. (its stranger than you thing it is)

[Davidgeo]

; (think)

[Davidgeo]

animal face

[Davidgeo]

.... it's important to get angry in a way... sometimes.... I need you to be a monster (not everyone knows how to be a monster) shaw

[Davidgeo]

Claws do not dissolve in flesh

[Davidgeo]

Usually you have to got to Africa to learn that one...

[Davidgeo]

.... humans are Hyperpredatrs. There's a reason we dominate the planet

[Davidgeo]

(math) and.... more math

((((this all about math doll face))))

[Davidgeo]

Euler's Number.... its almost like it started something.... on a time scale that jokes us

[Davidgeo]

I'm sorry for being an a*****e here. I owe you one+

[Chris Shaw]

Trying my best not to be a scary monster. There are too many of them around already :)

[Davidgeo]

Everyone is a little scary depending upon how you look at them. Humans are the most successful predators in the history of reality.... it's natural to be a scary monster doll face.

[Davidgeo]

(you actually have no choice.... if you're human, you're also kind of a monster)

[Davidgeo]

Since humans made the word monster up to begin with, I do wonder what the unlabeled purpose of our...

this is hell. Enjoy the ride.