When a stranger asked

on the journey home from work
shortly before the inner circle tube
she stopped to purchase candles

her belly swollen beneath
a white cotton smocked dress
her skin wore a pregnant glow

she remembers the scent of patchouli
wafting in the air of happiness
back in the days of biba

when everyone loved everyone
and hate was a four letter word
much despised

so when the young candlemaker’s
eyes met hers in open smiles
he asked if she would consider

placing his hand on her ripening belly
so he could feel the kick of baby
movement of a new life growing

of over six months duration
six months of creation he said and
she replied yes without hesitation

to a stranger she said yes
and reflecting all these years later
something once beautiful has been lost

Reviews

[Lorry]

Ask that question today and you'll see one worried parent wrap her arms over her belly and run!
And to be fair, who could blame her, with what we've done to this world in such a short space of time. Turned it arse over tit and slammed it's head in the dirt to boot.
But written so delightfully, from a time that now feels like the long long ago, in the far far away.

[Chris Shaw]

It does seem so long ago and we were so trusting back then. It never occurred to me that anyone would want to harm me. We were nice back then. Something has gone …..Ta Lorry for stopping by.

Chris

[DIVYA]

This poem is very special for its description of the wonderful, surreal state of pregnancy. This is a time when a woman rises above the rest of humanity, assumes the essence of greatness, the wings of angels. It's extremely despairing if something as beautiful as this ends before it's natural culmination. I felt such beauty and also such loss in your words. Strangers can be saviors though. Loved how you wrote it, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks DIVYA. Your thoughts are always so much appreciated. Have a good Tuesday.

Chris

[DIVYA]

It was my pleasure, dear Chris. I hope you had a great one too.

[Neville]

I had never met a candlemaker on my way to work, or before setting off for it, before now that is .. and what a pleasant distraction they provided .. and being reminded of patchouli of course, a longstanding favourite of mine .. is it any wonder I was tempted to deviate and journey instead to those halcyon days you so eloquently refer to .. a delightful post Chris and for so many reasons .. not least because however many years on, these words now have a particularly pertinent pertinence for me and mine and those I love and hold dear.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville for the consideration you have given this poem. Have a good Tuesday.

read moreThank you Neville for the consideration you have given this poem. Have a good Tuesday.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Sad that she lost the baby. What a story! Could be with abortion or other ways. Life moves indeed within and without.
A very touching poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami. I appreciate your thoughts here. Have a good day.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome 😊

[W. Barrett Munn]

I think, no, I am pretty certain, that this is the best poem of yours I have yet to read. I simply has everything a great lyric poem should have. Truly a wonderful experience for the readers.
Bravo and congratulations.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Winston for your glowing review. Much appreciated. Have a good Tuesday.
read moreThank you so much Winston for your glowing review. Much appreciated. Have a good Tuesday.

Chris

[Silmara McGarry]

Such wonderful and sweet poem truly captivating and the fact that she I pregnant makes it even more special 🤍 I love the feeling of a movie passage that your writing gives to the readers is truly amazing ⭐
Superb dearest Chris ✍️
Hugs
Sil🌹

[Silmara McGarry]

... correction: that she is pregnant....
Ohhh, I absolutely love the end of this poem 👏🏻

[Chris Shaw]

Dearest Sil, thank you so much for your lovely review. You are appreciated. Have a grand Tuesday. read moreDearest Sil, thank you so much for your lovely review. You are appreciated. Have a grand Tuesday.

Chris