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- Potrait of Phyllis - Dedicated to my Grandma
| Open Poetry #22 |
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- Potrait of Phyllis - Dedicated to my Grandma |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA 
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Dedicated to Phyllis Long April 14, 1923 - June 15, 1996 It has taken me years to finish this poem... Portrait Of Phyllis A couple of months ago, my Grandma left me. Fragile and fair-skinned, she was refined, intellectual, though childlike with little crinkles around her eyes and dimples that danced beside her smiles at the sound of 'Mrs. Beautiful' and 'Groovy Granny.' Every day, I still half expect her to appear and tell me that her dying was just a misunderstanding or merely a bad dream. That the cancer, diabetes and loneliness that killed her had never ravaged her spirit or sparkle in her laugh-eye. With rare beauty of soul and heart such as hers, of course, heaven would want her back, and I knew that someday, I would have to let her go, but, you never actually believe that someday will come. How I adored her when I was a tootsie girl with curly brown hair in a ponytail and summer ribbon dress as I sat on her lap playing with her glasses, giggling and kissing the photograph of Grandpa with a pipe and hat. Like all things, I'm sure I took her for granted, yet, I loved her, but, I'm afraid she won't remember me. I still can't believe that I'm writing this, saying the words "death and gone." She used to listen to my stories, my thoughts, she allowed my voice to be heard, and encouraged my pen to find it's worth. But, she'll never read this. Shall I continue to write? Yes, she would want me to. But, how can I pick up the pieces of my tears when one of the most profound people I've ever known has said goodbye. How do I go on when there is a gaping absence in my life, as if a large chunk of a great painting had simply been cut out leaving an empty space on a white canvas where so much colour had breathed. I suppose all I can do is let the years stroke over skin with it's own artistry, paintbrush and pallette, to let the hole in the painting gradually refill with the old colours, only now recast. Memory will retouch the masterpiece that is love, that is Phyllis. By Melissa Phyllis Monette |
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| © Copyright 2002 Melissa P. Long-Monette - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Oh Melissa... I cried through every line of this gorgeous piece... Having been through a lot of loss during the past through years, I can certainly empathize with you, but I don't think I could have ever expressed it as beautifully as you have... Yes... keep writing, Melissa, it will save your soul and keep you sane, I promise...  ~ comforting hugsLyra |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Well Melis, You always know how to get to my tender heart. It seems that your grandma lives on through you in such effective and meaningful ways. I am confident that I would have adored her too as she must have been much like you. What an awesome write...I'm so glad you finished it and shared it here. Bless you dear friend. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggsssssss) Oh Melissa, this is by far your best yet, I can understand the tears you went through writing this and the years have shaped the love of your grandma so well! (sigh) Know she will always live on in your heart and color your world with guidance and love, sweet friend, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Melissa, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
How absolutely filled with admiration, respect and love this was Melissa, and I think one night it would be wonderful to sit and read it aloud for perhaps it will be heard. These lines stuck in my heart and throat, as I too had a Gramma that meant the world to me... But, how can I pick up the pieces of my tears when one of the most profound people I've ever known has said goodbye. How do I go on when there is a gaping absence in my life, as if a large chunk of a great painting had simply been cut out leaving an empty space on a white canvas where so much colour had breathed. I suppose all I can do is let the years stroke over skin with it's own artistry, paintbrush and pallette, to let the hole in the painting gradually refill with the old colours, only now recast. Memory will retouch the masterpiece that is love, that is Phyllis. May her soul rest in peace, and may you find comfort in knowing that this was a heartfelt and loving dedication to her. Thank you for sharing it. The most valuable thing you own is a smile, wear it, and share it. |
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the_loner_23 Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
Wonderful tribute Cold hands means a warm heart |
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Moonlight Romeo
since 2001-09-10
Posts 982The heart of you |
The palate of years is one with many colors. Find the one that best suits you. But, always know what the canvas is. Thank you. What light through yon window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. |
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Chelsea~ Member
since 2001-02-09
Posts 260Ontario, CANADA |
oh Missy, don't make me cry now! I know how much you loved her, but, remember, she is here in spirit, she reads everything you write  |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Thank you everyone for your wonderful and comforting replies, especially with this poem it means the world to me!~ and Chelsea see ya soon!"Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
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