Lipstick Kisses

Pope John smiles down
from the second shelf of
an old Welsh dresser
covered in a smooth layer
of London dust

a Vatican unvisited
a souvenir of a holiday
not taken

you might be mistaken
thinking that the shadows
from blackened brickwork
of tall suffocating arches
in the back yard
would blot out all light

inside Freda spreads
her own brand of sunshine
illuminating the eyes of
her granddaughter
waiting for lipstick
kisses to be planted
forever

Reviews

[willweb]

Love this scene from your past (I assume) and the memories we keep. Funny how certain things stick out to us, there were probably 20 more different trinkets, etc scattered about but the photo of the Pope is what stands out in your mind, oh and the lipstick kisses. Really fun Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

You are right will. The dresser was packed with stuff, but the souvenirs of the Pope are memorable. Not that I am a Catholic. The lipstick kisses, even more memorable. Thanks for your review. Pleased to see you always.

Chris

[Sharrumkin]

Lovely. You have a good eye for imagery. I especially like "tall suffocating arches" as if the building and the weight of its past is pressing down. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your encouraging review Sharrumkin. Pleased you enjoyed this nostalgia trip. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared dear Chris. I miss the lipstick kisses. The simple reward of love and kindness. We shall always remember. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for your lovely review Coyote. Those lipstick kisses were special.

Chris

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Yes... pope John indeed...

Things that make me go... all John Wick... ;)

What a damn fool!

He's burning in the fiery depths of Sheol... (Hell) Have no doubt about it...

Now you remember me... I need to add something to one of my works...

Thank you so much... Chris!

Blessed be!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Was it the mention of religion that turned you off? My Nan bless her was a fan of the pope . It didn’t pass down to my Dad or his kids, but it was one of the things that stick in my memory about her welsh dresser. Thanks for checking in and have yourself a great week-end Ancient Rock:)

Chris

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Yeah... you know Chris...

I'm Jewish...

And there is the whole anti-Semitism thing...

Or should I say... christians hating Jews.

Sorry... but I'm not a masochist!!!

I really ain't.

No Chris... I ain't having a great weekend.

I never do! Too much problems in my life...

However... I do thank you... for all your kind words.

Thank you so much!

;)

[Laz K.]

This poem succeeds in building an entire world in the discerning reader's mind. The few details given are enough to create a complete backstory concerning the characters described. For these reasons, it is a fascinating write, one I enjoyed reading very much.

[Chris Shaw]

Laz, your encouragement is much appreciated. Thank you for your time. All the best.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

As the Catholic Pope looks on, relatives give their seal of approval in a planting of a kiss rich in red on the young uns. Nicely depicted Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Andrew. I remember so clearly her welsh dresser and what was on it. Her lipstick kisses were something else :)

Chris

[red93]

I decided to pray at a Catholic Church and light Candles at their shrines after Justin Welby acknowledged the spiritual supremacy of the Pope over the C of E towards the end of the reign of the Late Queen. The guys at St Marys on the Quay in Bristol Centre seem quite happy with this arrangement, and of course I donate to Church Funds. I sometimes think that the C of E is Christianity Lite, and the Catholics are closer to the true Church.

Nice Piece Chris as ever ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony. My grandmother was a strong Catholic, my Dad not so. I know you have a strong faith which must be of comfort to you when the going gets tough. I light candles in church as well sometimes. I find peace in the silence. The experience is uplifting. Thank you for your valued visit today.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

This reminds me so much of Elizabeth Bishop. It is as if you stood in the room and described poetically what was there. Terrific poetry.

Winsotn

[Chris Shaw]

I am so encouraged by your review Winston. Thank you so much. Have a lovely Thursday.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I love your words that just flow like a gentle stream... although i do not believe.... I can relate to this very honest and beautiful poem; my favorite is: "waiting for lipstick kisses to be planted forever" there is nothing like hugs and kisses....such meaning to this poem Chris, excellent writing....
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty for your generous review. I appreciate you. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome my friend...have a beautiful day!
Best, B

[Shelley Warner]

I like how your poem transitions from the grandeur of the pope and the vatican to a small child receiving a lipstick kiss.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Shelley so much for your review. I appreciate you.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

I appreciate you too.

[Chris Shaw]

…………. 🌺